Translation guide
The English word "incredible" can express both "hard to believe" and "extremely good/impressive." Japanese uses different words for these meanings, and the choice depends on context and nuance.
Expressing that something is exceptionally good, impressive, or wonderful.
The most common and versatile word for "amazing" or "incredible." Used in casual conversation for anything impressive.
この映画、すごいね。
This movie is incredible, isn't it?
彼の料理はすごくおいしい。
His cooking is incredibly delicious.
A more formal and elegant word for "wonderful" or "splendid." Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
素晴らしい演奏でした。
That was an incredible performance.
景色が素晴らしい。
The scenery is incredible.
Literally "unbelievable," but often used to express amazement in a positive sense, like "incredible!"
信じられない！宝くじに当たった！
Incredible! I won the lottery!
Means "the best" or "awesome." Very common in casual speech.
このピザ、最高！
This pizza is incredible!
Can mean "outrageous" or "extraordinary," often used to express that something is beyond expectation, positively or negatively.
とんでもない才能だ。
That's incredible talent.
Expressing that something is difficult to believe, often because it is surprising, shocking, or implausible.
The most direct translation for "unbelievable" or "incredible" in the sense of being hard to believe. Can be used for both positive and negative surprises.
彼が辞めたなんて信じられない。
It's incredible that he quit.
その話は信じられない。
That story is incredible (hard to believe).
A more formal and literary way to say "hard to believe." Often used in written contexts.
その結果は信じがたいものだった。
The results were incredible (hard to believe).
A set phrase meaning "cannot easily believe" or "hard to believe at first."
そのニュースはにわかには信じられない。
That news is incredible (hard to believe immediately).
Emphasizing the high degree or intensity of something, like "incredible speed" or "incredible pain."
An emphatic adjective meaning "tremendous" or "incredible" in degree. Often used in casual speech.
ものすごい速さで走った。
He ran at incredible speed.
ものすごい痛みがあった。
There was incredible pain.
Means "extraordinary" or "immense," often used for scale or degree.
とてつもない努力が必要だ。
It requires incredible effort.
Literally "to an unbelievable extent," used to intensify adjectives or adverbs.
信じられないほど美しい。
It's incredibly beautiful.
すごい is casual and can be used for almost anything impressive, while 素晴らしい is more formal and often implies a deeper sense of admiration or excellence. In formal writing or speeches, 素晴らしい is preferred.
すごい！よくやったね。
Incredible! You did well.
素晴らしいご発表でした。
That was an incredible presentation.
While 信じられない can be used for positive amazement, it is more commonly associated with disbelief or shock. For praising something as "incredible," すごい or 素晴らしい are safer and more natural choices.