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
能書
のうしょ (nousho)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "good" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 朗報 and 能書.
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, 能書 (のうしょ (nousho)) maps to "good calligraphy" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "能書"
私は能書に興味があります。
I am interested in good calligraphy.
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.". "能書" represents "good calligraphy".