Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Good" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "good", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
朗報
ろうほう (rōhō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
好機
こうき (kouki)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "good" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 朗報 and 好機.
In Japanese, 朗報 (ろうほう (rōhō)) is typically associated with "Good news; glad tidings" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to express positive and often significant news. Can be a bit formal. 朗報を伝える.
On the other hand, 好機 (こうき (kouki)) maps to "good opportunity, golden opportunity" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to a favorable or excellent chance to do something. Often used with verbs like 「掴む. A literal translation of "good" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "朗報"
先生から合格の朗報を聞いて、とても嬉しかった。
I was very happy to hear the good news of my success from the teacher.
Bilingual Context for "好機"
今こそ好機を掴むべきだ。
Now is the time to seize the opportunity.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生から合格の ＿＿＿ を聞いて、とても嬉しかった。" (Meaning: "I was very happy to hear the good news of my success from the teacher.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "朗報" fits here because it means "Good news; glad tidings" in the context of: "I was very happy to hear the good news of my success from the teacher.". "好機" represents "good opportunity, golden opportunity".