Translation guide
Expressing 'good times' in Japanese depends on whether you mean a fun period, a prosperous era, or a nostalgic memory. The most common natural expressions are 楽しい時間 (tanoshii jikan) for enjoyable moments and いい時代 (ii jidai) for a good era.
楽しい時間を過ごしました。
We had a good time.
あの頃はいい時代だった。
Those were good times.
Referring to a period of fun, pleasure, or happiness, often in a social context.
The most direct and natural way to say 'good times' as enjoyable moments. Suitable for both casual and polite contexts.
昨日は本当に楽しい時間を過ごしました。
We had a really good time yesterday.
楽しい時間はあっという間に過ぎる。
Good times fly by.
A slightly more casual variant, often used when the quality of the time spent is emphasized.
友達といい時間を過ごした。
I had a good time with my friends.
A slightly more literary or elegant way to say 'a pleasant time', often used in written invitations or formal speech.
楽しいひとときをお過ごしください。
Please have a good time.
Referring to a period in history or life characterized by good fortune, economic boom, or happiness.
Used for a 'good era' in a general sense, such as a golden age or a time of prosperity.
あの頃はいい時代だった。
Those were good times.
バブル期は日本にとって本当にいい時代だった。
The bubble period was truly a good time for Japan.
Means 'heyday' or 'golden age', often used for the peak period of a person, company, or civilization.
Expressing fond memories of past experiences, often with a sense of longing.
Combines 'nostalgic' with 'time', perfect for reminiscing about good old days.
高校時代は懐かしい時間だった。
High school days were good times I miss.
Literally 'time of memories', used when the time itself is cherished as a memory.
家族と過ごした思い出の時間を大切にしている。
I treasure the good times spent with my family.
Describing the act of enjoying oneself, often used in invitations or descriptions of events.
The verb 'to enjoy oneself'. Very common and versatile.
パーティーを楽しんでね！
Have a good time at the party!
彼はいつも人生を楽しんでいる。
He always has a good time in life.
Used when someone is going out to have a good time, implying 'go and enjoy yourself'.
デート楽しんできてね！
Have a good time on your date!
Directly translating 'good times' as 良い時 (yoi toki) can sound unnatural or ambiguous. Use the phrases above depending on context.
ローマ帝国の全盛期は長く続いた。
The good times of the Roman Empire lasted long.
Literally 'golden age', a more dramatic or literary term for a period of great prosperity and achievement.
1950年代はアメリカの黄金時代と呼ばれる。
The 1950s are called America's good times.