Translation guide
The English word "marvelous" expresses strong admiration, wonder, or delight. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on what is being praised and the situation. Common options range from casual exclamations to more formal expressions of excellence.
それは素晴らしい！
That's marvelous!
なんて素晴らしいアイデアなんだ！
What a marvelous idea!
The speaker wants to say that something is extremely good, impressive, or enjoyable, often with a sense of excitement.
The most standard and versatile word for 'wonderful', 'splendid', or 'marvelous'. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts, for objects, experiences, performances, etc.
その映画は本当に素晴らしかった。
That movie was truly marvelous.
素晴らしい景色ですね。
What a marvelous view!
Literally 'the best' or 'supreme'. Very common in casual speech to express that something is fantastic, awesome, or marvelous. Often used for experiences, food, events.
このピザ、最高！
This pizza is marvelous!
昨日のコンサートは最高だった。
Yesterday's concert was marvelous.
A very common casual word meaning 'amazing', 'incredible', or 'great'. It can convey marvel in a more informal, excited way. Often used as an exclamation.
すごい！どうやってやったの？
Marvelous! How did you do that?
彼の演技はすごかった。
His performance was marvelous.
Means 'splendid', 'magnificent', or 'brilliant'. Often used for skillful achievements, beautiful results, or impressive displays. Slightly more formal than すごい.
見事な演奏でした。
That was a marvelous performance.
庭の花が見事に咲いている。
The garden flowers are in marvelous bloom.
The speaker wants to praise a person's character, abilities, or qualities.
Again the most versatile choice. Can describe a person's personality, talent, or actions.
彼女は素晴らしい人だ。
She is a marvelous person.
Means 'splendid', 'admirable', 'fine'. Often implies a sense of dignity, respectability, or moral excellence. Suitable for praising someone's character or achievements.
Means 'lovely', 'wonderful', 'charming'. Often used for people (especially in a slightly romantic or aesthetic sense), but also for things. Conveys a warm, positive feeling.
The speaker wants to express delighted surprise or admiration in a short, spontaneous way.
A simple, all-purpose exclamation of amazement or admiration. Equivalent to 'Wow!' or 'That's marvelous!'
すごい！合格したんだ！
Marvelous! You passed!
A more articulate exclamation of wonder or praise. Can be used in both casual and formal settings.
素晴らしい！よくやったね。
Marvelous! Well done.
Literally 'I did it!' or 'Yay!'. Expresses joy and triumph. In context, it can convey 'Marvelous!' when something great happens.
やった！旅行が当たった！
Marvelous! I won a trip!
素晴らしい is the safest, most standard word for 'marvelous' and can be used in almost any situation. 最高 is more casual and emphatic, like 'the best' or 'awesome'. すごい is very casual and can mean 'amazing' or 'terrible' depending on context, but when used positively it's like 'incredible' or 'marvelous'.
この景色は素晴らしい。（丁寧）
This view is marvelous. (polite)
この景色、最高！（カジュアル）
This view is marvelous! (casual)
この景色、すごい！（カジュアル）
This view is amazing/marvelous! (casual)
The word 驚くべき (odorokubeki) means 'astonishing' or 'surprising', but it can have negative connotations (e.g., 'shocking'). It is not a natural translation for positive 'marvelous' in most contexts.
He is a marvelous leader.
You have a marvelous smile.