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:

この品質は素晴らしいです。

Kono hinshitsu wa subarashii desu

This quality is excellent.

This quality is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 品質 - noun that means "quality"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この演出は素晴らしいですね。

Kono enshutsu wa subarashii desu ne

This production is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 演出 - noun meaning "direction" or "production" (in the context of theater, cinema, etc.)
• は - topic particle indicating that what follows is the subject of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form
• ね - final particle indicating an expectation of confirmation or agreement

ジャンボな飛行機は大きくて素晴らしいです。

Jyanbo na hikouki wa ookikute subarashii desu

Jumbo planes are big and wonderful.

• ジャンボな飛行機 - jumbo jet
• は - Topic particle
• 大きくて - large and
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

今年の年鑑はとても素晴らしいです。

Kotoshi no nenkan wa totemo subarashii desu

This year's annual look is very wonderful.

• 今年の - This year
• 年鑑 - directory
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• です - verb to be in the polite form

何て素晴らしい世界だろう！

Nante subarashii sekai darou!

What a wonderful World!

• 何て - adverb that indicates surprise or admiration
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means wonderful or splendid
• 世界 - noun that means world or universe
• だろう - particle that indicates assumption or probability
• ！ - Exclamation sign

俳句は季節感を表現する素晴らしい詩形です。

Haiku wa kisetsukan wo hyōgen suru subarashii shikei desu

Haiku is a wonderful poetic form that expresses the feeling of the season.

Haiku is wonderful poetry that expresses the seasonal feeling.

• 俳句 - Japanese three-line poem
• 季節感 - feeling of the season
• 表現 - expression
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• 詩形 - poetic form

優しい人は素晴らしいです。

Yasashii hito wa subarashii desu

Kind people are wonderful.

• 優しい - Kind, friendly
• 人 - person
• は - Topic particle
• 素晴らしい - wonderful, splendid
• です - Verb ser/estar in the formal present tense

実に素晴らしいですね。

Jitsu ni subarashii desu ne

Really wonderful

This is really wonderful.

• 実に - Really
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• です - is
• ね - NÃO É?

彼女の演技は素晴らしいです。

Kanojo no engi wa subarashii desu

Your performance is wonderful.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• の (no) - of
• 演技 (engi) - performance
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 素晴らしい (subarashii) - amazing
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼女の腕前は素晴らしいです。

Kanojo no udezuki wa subarashii desu

Your skill is wonderful.

• 彼女 - she
• の - Possessive particle
• 腕前 - skill, dexterity
• は - Topic particle
• 素晴らしい - wonderful, splendid
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present