How to Say ‘That bag is nice, isn't it?’ in Japanese
そのかばん、すてきですね。
sono kaban suteki desu ne
[soh-noh kah-BAHN steh-KEE dess neh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Complimenting a belonging rather than someone's looks is the safe, natural opener in Japan; a direct comment on appearance from a stranger can come across as a pickup line and make people wary.
Phrase Breakdown
そのかばん、
sono kaban
That bag,
その means 'that (near you)'. Here it introduces the topic, and the particle が is dropped as is common in casual speech.
そのかばん、高いですか？
Is that bag expensive?
Words in this phrase
その
sono
[soh-noh]
that; those (near listener / previously mentioned)
Demonstrative for something already known/mentioned: その威力 = “that power.”
その威力 とくと見よ！と叫んだ。
He shouted, “Look well at that power!”
かばん
kaban
[kah-BAHN]
bag
A general word for a bag, handbag or briefcase.
あたらしいかばんをかいました。
I bought a new bag.
すてきですね。
suteki desu ne
is lovely.
A compliment ending with ね to invite agreement.
この写真、すてきですね。
This photo is lovely.
Words in this phrase
すてき
suteki
[steh-KEE]
lovely; nice; stylish
An adjective for praising something as attractive or classy, often used for a light compliment.
すてきな時計ですね。
What a nice watch.
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
ね
ne
[neh]
isn't it?; right?
A sentence-ending particle used to seek agreement or add warmth.
すばらしい経験ですね。
That's wonderful experience, isn't it?
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