Translation guide
The gesture or expression of approval, agreement, or success. In Japanese, this can be expressed verbally, with the physical gesture, or through emoji/symbols.
Referring to the physical hand gesture (👍) to show approval, agreement, or that things are good.
The loanword for the thumbs-up gesture. Commonly understood, especially among younger people or in casual contexts.
彼はサムズアップして「いいね」と言った。
He gave a thumbs up and said 'Nice.'
Literally 'to raise one's thumb.' Describes the action of giving a thumbs up.
彼は親指を立てて合図した。
He signaled with a thumbs up.
Literally 'good sign.' Sometimes used to refer to the thumbs-up gesture, but less common than サムズアップ.
彼はグッドサインを送った。
He gave a thumbs up.
Conveying approval, agreement, or that something is good, without necessarily referring to the physical gesture.
A casual way to say 'That's good' or 'I like it.' Functions like a verbal thumbs up. Very common in social media and daily conversation.
そのアイデア、いいね！
That idea gets a thumbs up from me!
Means 'agreement' or 'approval.' Can be used to express a thumbs up in a more formal or explicit way.
Loanword for 'OK.' Often used to indicate approval or that everything is fine, similar to a thumbs up.
スケジュールはオッケーだよ。
The schedule gets a thumbs up.
Referring to the thumbs-up emoji (👍) or symbol in digital communication.
In digital communication, the thumbs-up emoji is universally understood and widely used in Japan. You can simply use the emoji or refer to it as サムズアップの絵文字 (samuzuappu no emoji).
メッセージに👍を送った。
I sent a thumbs up in the message.
The thumbs-up gesture is widely recognized in Japan, especially among younger generations and in international contexts. However, in traditional settings, a nod or verbal agreement may be more common. The gesture is generally positive and does not carry offensive connotations.
その提案に賛成です。
I give a thumbs up to that proposal.