Translation and Meaning of: 素晴らしい - subarashii

The Japanese word 素晴らしい [すばらしい] is a term that carries significant emotional and cultural weight. If you have ever watched an anime, listened to a Japanese song, or talked to a native speaker, you have probably encountered this expression. But what exactly does it mean? Why do the Japanese use it so frequently? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and uses of this fascinating word, along with tips for memorizing it effectively.

Wonderful is one of those words that goes beyond literal translation. It expresses admiration, amazement, and even a certain reverence towards something extraordinary. Whether to praise a stunning landscape, an incredible performance, or a personal achievement, this term is a powerful linguistic tool. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to uncover the secrets behind words like this, making your learning richer and more contextualized.

Meaning and Translation of 素晴らしい

Translating 素晴らしい into English is not a simple task, as it encompasses a variety of nuances. The most common translation is "wonderful", "incredible", or "fantastic", but depending on the context, it can also mean "exceptional", "splendid", or even "magnificent". What differentiates this word from other similar ones is the emotional intensity it carries. When a Japanese person says 素晴らしい, they are expressing a genuine feeling of admiration.

It is worth noting that 素晴らしい is not used for everyday or mediocre things. It is reserved for moments and experiences that truly stand out. For example, if someone says "今日の天気は素晴らしい" (the weather today is wonderful), it implies that the day is exceptionally beautiful, not just pleasant. This specificity makes its use more impactful and memorable.

Origin and Composition of Kanjis

The word 素晴らしい is composed of three kanji: 素 (su), 晴 (ha), and らしい (rashii). The first kanji, 素, means "basic element" or "simplicity." The second, 晴, is associated with "clarity" or "good weather." Meanwhile, the suffix らしい adds a tone of "seem" or "characteristic of." The combination of these elements suggests something that is pure, clear, and admirable—an etymology that perfectly reflects the current meaning of the word.

Interestingly, the origin of 素晴らしい dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when it began to be used to describe things that stood out for their beauty or quality. Over the centuries, its use has consolidated in everyday language, always maintaining this connotation of excellence. This history helps to understand why the word is still so valued in the Japanese vocabulary today.

How to Use 素晴らしい in Everyday Life

"素晴らしい" is a versatile word, but its use requires some discernment. It often appears in both formal and informal compliments, ranging from comments about a delicious meal to motivational speeches. For example, a boss might say to an employee: "君の仕事は本当に素晴らしい" (your work is truly amazing), highlighting an exceptional performance. In casual contexts, friends might use it to express enthusiasm, such as in "素晴らしいコンサートだったね!" (it was a wonderful concert, right?).

However, it is important to avoid using it excessively. As in any language, repeating the same word too often can dilute its impact. The Japanese tend to reserve 素晴らしい for situations that truly deserve emphasis, alternating with terms like すごい (amazing) or いい (good) in less intense contexts. This moderation helps to maintain the expressive strength of the word.

Tips for Memorizing 素晴らしい

An effective way to memorize 素晴らしい is to associate it with memorable experiences. For example, think of something that truly impressed you — a trip, a movie, an achievement — and say aloud: "これは素晴らしい!" (this is wonderful!). This emotional connection makes it easier to internalize the word. Another strategy is to hear the word in real contexts, such as in animes, dramas, or podcasts, to absorb its pronunciation and natural use.

Additionally, breaking down the kanjis into known components can help. Remember that 素 refers to something pure, 晴 to clarity, and らしい to a characteristic. Visualizing this decomposition not only aids in memorization but also enriches your understanding of the word. With practice and constant exposure, 素晴らしい will become part of your active vocabulary in Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 素敵 (suteki) - Wonderful, enchanting
• 素晴らしい (subarashii) - Incredible, exceptional
• 絶妙 (zeppyou) - Exquisite, masterful
• 絶品 (zeppin) - Masterpiece, a product of superior quality
• 絶好 (zekkou) - Great, excellent, in perfect condition
• 絶好調 (zekkoucho) - In great shape, excellent condition
• 絶賛 (zessan) - High appreciation, enthusiastic praise
• 抜群 (batsugun) - Notable, exceptional
• 驚異的 (kyouiteki) - Surprising, prodigious
• 驚くべき (odorokubeki) - Impressive, extraordinary
• 驚嘆 (kyoutan) - Admiration, astonishment
• 驚嘆的 (kyoutanteki) - Admirable, impressive
• 奇跡的 (kiseki-teki) - Miraculous, impressive
• 奇妙 (kimyou) - Strange, wonderful
• 奇妙な (kimyou na) - Wonderful, eccentric
• 奇想天外 (kisouten-gai) - Fantastic, out of the ordinary
• 奇想天外な (kisouten-gai na) - Unusual, extraordinary
• 奇抜 (kibatsu) - Original, extravagant
• 奇抜な (kibatsu na) - Exotic, uncommon
• 希有 (keu) - Rare, uncommon
• 希有な (keu na) - Uncommon, exceptional
• 珍しい (mezurashii) - Rare, uncommon
• 珍しいもの (mezurashii mono) - Rare thing, unusual object
• 珍品 (chinpin) - Rare article, rarity
• 珍品な (chinpin na) - Unusual, remarkable
• 貴重 (kichou) - Valuable, precious
• 貴重な (kichou na) - Very valuable, significantly important
• 価値ある (kachiaru) - Of value, worthy of appreciation
• 価値あるもの (kachiaru mono) - Valuable object, precious thing
• 価値のある (kachi no aru) - What has value, valuable

素晴らしい

Romaji: subarashii
Kana: すばらしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: wonderful; splendid; magnificent

Meaning in English: wonderful;splendid;magnificent

Definition: Very good, wonderful.

Example Sentences - (素晴らしい) subarashii

See below some example sentences:

この山頂からの見晴らしは素晴らしいです。

Kono sanchou kara no miharashi wa subarashii desu

The view from this mountain top is wonderful.

The view from this dome is wonderful.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• 山頂 - "sancho", top of the mountain
• から - kara, from
• の - particle of possession, in this case, "of"
• 見晴らし - "miharashi", panoramic view
• は - topic particle, in this case "about"
• 素晴らしい - "subarashii", wonderful
• です - polite way of "being"

アジアは多様な文化が混ざり合う素晴らしい大陸です。

Ájia wa tayou na bunka ga mazari au subarashii tairiku desu

Asia is a wonderful continent where diverse cultures blend together.

Asia is a wonderful continent where a variety of cultures blend together.

• アジア (Ajia) - Asia
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 多様な (tayouna) - diverse, varied
• 文化 (bunka) - culture
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 混ざり合う (mazariawau) - to mix, to combine
• 素晴らしい (subarashii) - wonderful, splendid
• 大陸 (tairiku) - continent
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

この案は素晴らしいですね。

Kono an wa subarashii desu ne

This idea is wonderful.

This plan is wonderful.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 案 - noun that means "idea" or "proposal."
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "this idea."
• 素晴らしい - adjective meaning "wonderful" or "excellent".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.
• ね - a particle of completion that indicates confirmation or agreement, in this case, "isn't it?"

この仕上がりは素晴らしいですね。

Kono shiagari wa subarashii desu ne

This finish is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕上がり - noun that means "finishing" or "completion"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - auxiliary verb indicating a polite or respectful way of speaking
• ね - particle of completion that indicates the expectation of confirmation or agreement from the interlocutor

この仕上げは素晴らしいですね。

Kono shiage wa subarashii desu ne

This finish is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕上げ - noun that means "finishing" or "completion"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense
• ね - ending particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation

この台本は素晴らしいですね。

Kono daihon wa subarashii desu ne

This script is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 台本 - noun that means "script" or "screenplay"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• ね - final particle that indicates a rhetorical question or a confirmation

この映画は素晴らしい脚色で作られました。

Kono eiga wa subarashii kyakushoku de tsukuraremashita

This movie was made with great adaptation.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 映画 - noun meaning "film"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective meaning "wonderful" or "splendid"
• 脚色 - noun that means "script" or "adaptation"
• で - particle that indicates the means or method used to do something
• 作られました - passive verb in the polite past form meaning "was done" or "was produced"

この美術館は素晴らしい展示をしています。

Kono bijutsukan wa subarashii tenji o shiteimasu

This museum has a wonderful display.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 美術館 - noun meaning "art museum"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "this art museum"
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• 展示 - noun meaning "display" or "exhibition"
• を - direct object particle indicating the target of the action, in this case, "display/exhibition"
• しています - verb meaning "to be doing" or "to be accomplishing"

この薬の効果は素晴らしいです。

Kono kusuri no kouka wa subarashii desu

The effect of this drug is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 薬 - noun meaning "medicine"
• の - possessive particle indicating that the medicine is the object of the sentence
• 効果 - noun meaning "effect"
• は - topic particle indicating that the effect of the medicine is the subject of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - auxiliary verb indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative
• . - period indicating the end of the sentence

この公演はとても素晴らしいです。

Kono kouen wa totemo subarashii desu

This presentation is very wonderful.

This performance is very wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 公演 - noun meaning "presentation" or "performance"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this presentation"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the simple present