🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Good job" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
よくやった
"Good job" in Japanese · say it like yoh-koo-yah-tah

The most natural way to say "Good job" in Japanese is よくやった. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

いい仕事をした
more formal, often used in professional settings
素晴らしい
used to express admiration for a job well done

When to use it

You can use this phrase to praise someone for their efforts or achievements. It is suitable for both casual and formal situations. Use it when you want to encourage someone or acknowledge their hard work.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Good job" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
試験に合格した。よくやった!You passed the exam. Good job!
プロジェクトが成功したね。よくやった!The project was a success. Good job!
Common mistake
Some learners might confuse this with 'お疲れ様でした', which is more about acknowledging someone's effort rather than praising their success.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear よくやった, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use 'よくやった' in a formal business setting?

Yes, but it's better to use 'いい仕事をした' for a more formal tone.

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