30 Japanese Compliments to Make Friends Fast (2026)
Learn authentic Japanese compliments for appearance, skills, personality & more! Make Japanese friends with these 30 phrases natives actually use.
Want to make Japanese friends fast? Learn to give compliments! Japanese culture highly values harmony and encouragement, making sincere compliments one of the most effective social tools. Whether you're praising someone's Japanese, complimenting their outfit, or acknowledging their hard work – these phrases will open doors everywhere you go.
Ready to spread some positivity? Let's learn 30 essential Japanese compliments! 💫
How Japanese Compliments Work 🎌
Before we dive in, understand these cultural points:
Key Differences from English
| Aspect | English | Japanese |
|---|---|---|
| Response | "Thank you!" | Often humble denial first |
| Frequency | Common | More selective (feels more sincere) |
| Directness | Very direct | Often indirect or general |
| Physical appearance | Common | More careful/selective |
The Humble Response Pattern
When Japanese people receive compliments, they often deflect:
A: 日本語がお上手ですね！ (Your Japanese is great!) B: いいえ、まだまだです。 (No no, I still have a long way to go.)
Skill & Ability Compliments 🏆
1. 上手ですね！ (Jouzu desu ne!)
Meaning: You're skilled! / You're good at that!
The most useful compliment for abilities.
Examples:
- 日本語が上手ですね！ (Nihongo ga jouzu desu ne!) – Your Japanese is good!
- 料理が上手ですね！ (Ryouri ga jouzu desu ne!) – You're a good cook!
- ピアノが上手ですね！ (Piano ga jouzu desu ne!) – You play piano well!
2. すごい！ (Sugoi!)
Meaning: Amazing! / Awesome!
Universal praise that works for everything!
Examples:
- すごい！できた！ (Sugoi! Dekita!) – Amazing! You did it!
- すごい点数ですね！ (Sugoi tensuu desu ne!) – What an amazing score!
3. さすがですね！ (Sasuga desu ne!)
Meaning: As expected of you! / That's so you!
Praising someone for doing what they're known for.
Example:
さすが先輩ですね！ Sasuga senpai desu ne! That's our senpai for you!
4. 天才ですね！ (Tensai desu ne!)
Meaning: You're a genius!
Playful exaggeration for clever ideas or actions.
5. センスがいいですね！ (Sensu ga ii desu ne!)
Meaning: You have good taste/sense!
For fashion, design, choices, or artistic ability.
Appearance Compliments 👗
6. おしゃれですね！ (Oshare desu ne!)
Meaning: You're stylish! / That's fashionable!
The safest appearance compliment – focuses on style choices.
Examples:
- その服、おしゃれですね！ (Sono fuku, oshare desu ne!) – Those clothes are stylish!
- 今日おしゃれですね！ (Kyou oshare desu ne!) – You look stylish today!
7. 似合ってますね！ (Niatte masu ne!)
Meaning: It suits you! / That looks good on you!
Perfect for clothing, accessories, or hairstyles.
Examples:
- その色、似合ってますね！ (Sono iro, niatte masu ne!) – That color suits you!
- 新しい髪型、似合ってますね！ (Atarashii kamigata, niatte masu ne!) – Your new hairstyle suits you!
8. かわいい！ (Kawaii!)
Meaning: Cute! / Adorable!
Works for things, outfits, pets, and people (with close relationships).
9. かっこいい！ (Kakkoii!)
Meaning: Cool! / Handsome! / Stylish!
For people, things, or actions that are impressive.
Examples:
- かっこいい車ですね！ (Kakkoii kuruma desu ne!) – Cool car!
- ダンス、かっこいい！ (Dansu, kakkoii!) – Your dancing is cool!
10. 素敵ですね！ (Suteki desu ne!)
Meaning: Lovely! / Wonderful! / Beautiful!
Elegant compliment for appearance, homes, ideas, etc.
Personality & Character Compliments 💖
11. 優しいですね！ (Yasashii desu ne!)
Meaning: You're kind! / You're gentle!
One of the highest compliments in Japanese culture.
Example:
いつも優しいですね、ありがとう。 Itsumo yasashii desu ne, arigatou. You're always so kind, thank you.
12. 気が利きますね！ (Ki ga kikimasu ne!)
Meaning: You're thoughtful/considerate!
Praising someone's ability to anticipate needs and act helpfully.
13. 頼りになりますね！ (Tayori ni narimasu ne!)
Meaning: You're reliable! / I can count on you!
A big compliment in work and friendship contexts.
14. 真面目ですね！ (Majime desu ne!)
Meaning: You're serious/diligent!
Praising someone's work ethic – very positive in Japanese culture!
15. 面白いですね！ (Omoshiroi desu ne!)
Meaning: You're funny! / You're interesting!
Can mean humorous or intriguing depending on context.
Work & Effort Compliments 💼
16. よくできました！ (Yoku dekimashita!)
Meaning: Well done! / Good job!
Classic praise for completed tasks or achievements.
17. すばらしい！ (Subarashii!)
Meaning: Wonderful! / Splendid!
Formal but warm praise for excellent work.
18. 頑張ってますね！ (Ganbatte masu ne!)
Meaning: You're working hard! / I see your effort!
Acknowledges someone's hard work and dedication.
19. 努力の甲斐がありましたね！ (Doryoku no kai ga arimashita ne!)
Meaning: Your efforts paid off!
For when someone's hard work leads to success.
20. いい仕事ですね！ (Ii shigoto desu ne!)
Meaning: Good work! / Nice job!
Straightforward praise for work quality.
Food & Hospitality Compliments 🍳
21. 美味しい！ (Oishii!)
Meaning: Delicious!
The essential food compliment!
Example:
わー、美味しい！レシピを教えて！ Waa, oishii! Reshipi wo oshiete! Wow, delicious! Please share the recipe!
22. これ最高！ (Kore saikou!)
Meaning: This is the best!
Enthusiastic food or experience praise.
23. 料理上手ですね！ (Ryouri jouzu desu ne!)
Meaning: You're a great cook!
Complimenting someone's cooking skills.
24. おもてなしに感動しました！ (Omotenashi ni kandou shimashita!)
Meaning: I'm moved by your hospitality!
Thanking someone for welcoming you warmly.
Social & Conversation Compliments 🗣️
25. 話しやすいですね！ (Hanashiyasui desu ne!)
Meaning: You're easy to talk to!
A wonderful compliment that makes people feel comfortable.
26. 一緒にいると楽しい！ (Issho ni iru to tanoshii!)
Meaning: Being with you is fun!
Expressing genuine enjoyment of someone's company.
27. いつも元気ですね！ (Itsumo genki desu ne!)
Meaning: You're always so energetic!
Praising someone's positive energy.
28. 笑顔が素敵ですね！ (Egao ga suteki desu ne!)
Meaning: Your smile is lovely!
A warm compliment that's generally appropriate.
Encouragement Compliments 📣
29-30. Praise for Effort (Even Without Success)
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| よく頑張ったね！ | Yoku ganbatta ne! | You worked so hard! |
| ナイストライ！ | Naisu torai! | Nice try! |
| 惜しかった！ | Oshikatta! | So close! |
| 最善を尽くしたね！ | Saizen wo tsukushita ne! | You did your best! |
Compliment Response Phrases 🙇
What to say when YOU receive a compliment:
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ありがとうございます | Arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you (polite) |
| いえいえ | Ie ie | No, no (humble denial) |
| そんなことないです | Sonna koto nai desu | That's not true (humble) |
| まだまだです | Mada mada desu | I still have a long way to go |
| 嬉しいです | Ureshii desu | I'm happy (to hear that) |
| お世辞でも嬉しいです | Oseji demo ureshii desu | Even if it's flattery, I'm glad |
Compliments by Situation
Meeting Someone for the First Time
お噂はかねがね。(Ouwasa wa kanegane.) I've heard so many good things about you.
At a Party
素敵なパーティーですね！(Suteki na paatii desu ne!) What a lovely party!
After a Presentation
とても分かりやすかったです！(Totemo wakariyasukatta desu!) It was very easy to understand!
Complimenting Someone's Japanese
発音が綺麗ですね！(Hatsuon ga kirei desu ne!) Your pronunciation is beautiful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to compliment strangers in Japan?
It depends on context. Complimenting service staff on their work or someone's pet is generally fine. Personal appearance compliments to strangers might feel uncomfortable. When in doubt, stick to situational compliments.
How often should I give compliments?
Less frequently than in Western cultures, but sincerely. A well-timed, genuine compliment means more than constant praise. Quality over quantity!
What if someone deflects my compliment repeatedly?
It's normal! You can simply smile and say 本当ですよ (Hontou desu yo - "It's true!") once, then let it go. Pushing too hard might make them uncomfortable.
Conclusion: Spread the Love! 💕
Japanese compliments are powerful tools for building relationships, showing appreciation, and making genuine connections. Remember: sincerity matters more than perfect grammar!
Key takeaways: ✅ すごい and 上手 are your most versatile compliments ✅ Appearance compliments should focus on style, not body ✅ Personality compliments (優しい, 真面目) are highly valued ✅ Accept humble deflections gracefully ✅ Acknowledge effort, not just results
Your next step: Want to read these compliments in Japanese? Master hiragana with KanaDojo → and unlock the full beauty of the Japanese language!
人を褒めると自分も幸せになります！ (Hito wo homeru to jibun mo shiawase ni narimasu!) Complimenting others brings happiness to yourself too! 🌟
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