Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "いい", "良い", "得意な", "好感"
All represent the core concept "good", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
いい
いい (ii)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
良い
よい (yoi) / いい (ii)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
得意な
とくいな (tokui na)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
好感
こうかん (kōkan)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "good" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "いい", "良い", "得意な", "好感" based on context.
- いい (いい (ii) - Level: N5): Maps to "good, nice; okay" and is used when An い-adjective, a versatile word meaning 'good,' 'nice,' 'fine,' 'okay.' Often used to express approval or agreement. The more formal or classical form is よい.
- 良い (よい (yoi) / いい (ii) - Level: N5): Maps to "good, nice" and is used when 「良い」.
- 得意な (とくいな (tokui na) - Level: N4): Maps to "good at, strong in, one's forte" and is used when 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.
- 好感 (こうかん (kōkan) - Level: N3): Maps to "good impression; favorable feeling; positive reception; liking" and is used when 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.
Context for "いい"
その考えはとてもいいです。/ 大丈夫、いいですよ。
That's a very good idea. / It's okay.
Context for "良い"
これは良い本です。
This is a good book.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その考えはとても ＿＿＿ です。/ 大丈夫、 ＿＿＿ ですよ。" (Meaning: "That's a very good idea. / It's okay.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いい" is correct here because it represents "good, nice; okay" in the context: "That's a very good idea. / It's okay.".