Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Good" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "good", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
得意な
とくいな (tokui na)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
好感
こうかん (kōkan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "good" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 得意な and 好感.
In Japanese, 得意な (とくいな (tokui na)) is typically associated with "good at, strong in, one's forte" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A な-adjective. Opposite of 苦手な. Used to express being good at something, or having a skill. Often paired with the particle が.
On the other hand, 好感 (こうかん (kōkan)) maps to "good impression; favorable feeling; positive reception; liking" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a good impression, favorable feeling, or positive reception toward someone's personality, behavior, or looks. Often used as 好感を持たれる or 好感度. A literal translation of "good" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "得意な"
彼はスポーツが得意で、特に水泳が得意です。
He is good at sports, especially swimming.
Bilingual Context for "好感"
彼のハキハキとした挨拶と清潔感のある身だしなみは、面接官たちに非常に高い_______を与えました。
His crisp greeting and clean appearance gave a very high good impression to the interviewers.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はスポーツが得意で、特に水泳が得意です。" (Meaning: "He is good at sports, especially swimming.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "得意な" fits here because it means "good at, strong in, one's forte" in the context of: "He is good at sports, especially swimming.". "好感" represents "good impression; favorable feeling; positive reception; liking".