Translation guide
The English word 'slay' has two main uses: the literal meaning of killing violently, and the modern slang meaning of impressing greatly or doing something exceptionally well. This guide focuses on the slang sense, which is most relevant for learners wanting to express admiration or excellence in Japanese.
Express that someone or something is amazing, impressive, or performed outstandingly, similar to English slang 'slay'.
She slayed that performance! · You're slaying in that outfit! · He absolutely slayed the presentation.
A versatile and common way to say something or someone is 'the best' or 'amazing'. Can be used as an exclamation or description.
Express the act of killing someone or something in a violent manner.
The most direct and common verb for 'to kill'. Can be used for people or animals.
When using 'slay' as slang for impressing, do not directly translate it as 殺す (kill). That would be confusing and unnatural. Use the recommended expressions like 最高 or すごい instead.
そのドレス、殺してるね！
That dress is killing it! (unnatural literal translation)
Both mean 'amazing', but 最高 (saikou) literally means 'the best' and implies top-tier excellence, while すごい (sugoi) is a more general expression of being impressed. 最高 can sound more definitive, while すごい is more flexible.
そのドレス、最高だね！
That dress is amazing!
彼女のパフォーマンスは最高だった。
Her performance was incredible.
A very common adjective meaning 'amazing' or 'incredible'. Can be used in many contexts to express admiration.
あのダンス、すごいね！
That dance is amazing!
彼はすごい才能がある。
He has incredible talent.
Slang term that can mean 'amazing' or 'insane' in a positive way, depending on context. Very casual and commonly used among young people.
Can also mean 'terrible' or 'dangerous' depending on context. Use with positive intonation and situation to convey 'amazing'.
この曲、やばくない？
Isn't this song amazing?
彼女のスタイル、やばい！
Her style is insane!
Means 'cool' or 'stylish'. Often used to praise someone's appearance, performance, or attitude.
そのジャケット、かっこいいね！
That jacket is so cool!
彼のギターソロはかっこよかった。
His guitar solo was awesome.
Means 'perfect' or 'flawless'. Used when something is executed without any mistakes, similar to 'slaying' a performance.
彼女のメイクは完璧だ。
Her makeup is flawless.
彼は敵を殺した。
He slew the enemy.
Means 'to massacre' or 'to slaughter', implying killing many in a brutal way.
兵士たちは村人を虐殺した。
The soldiers slew the villagers.
An archaic or literary term for 'to slay' or 'to vanquish', often used in historical or fantasy contexts.
勇者がドラゴンを討った。
The hero slew the dragon.