How to Say ‘That’s great.’ in Japanese
それはいいですね。
sore wa ii desu ne
[soh-reh wah ee dess neh]
💬 Usage Tip: A polite, supportive reaction. It can also imply "Nice point" and encourages the speaker to elaborate.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Interviewers sometimes use this as a conversational "green light"—they’re inviting you to add more detail.
Phrase Breakdown
それは
sore wa
that is / as for that
「それ」 = that (near the listener / previously mentioned). 「は」 marks the topic: “That (idea) is…”. Used when reacting to what someone said.
それは大変ですね。
That sounds tough.
Words in this phrase
それ
sore
[soh-reh]
that; it
Points back to what the other person said. Used when acknowledging a candidate’s reason or experience.
それはいいですね。
That’s good.
は
wa
[wah]
(topic marker)
Sets "that" as the topic: 「それは〜」. Natural for reactions in conversation.
それはいいですね。
That’s good.
いい
ii
[ee]
good; nice
Simple positive evaluation. Often said by interviewers to encourage you to continue.
それはいいですね。
That’s nice.
ですね
desu ne
isn’t it? / right? (soft confirmation)
「です」 (polite copula) + 「ね」 (seeking agreement/softening). Used to sound friendly and invite the listener’s agreement.
今日は暑いですね。
It’s hot today, isn’t it?
Words in this phrase
です
desu
[dess]
polite ending "is"
Keeps the comment polite and professional.
それはいいですね。
That’s good, isn’t it.
ね
ne
[neh]
right?; isn’t it?
Softens the statement and invites agreement; sounds friendly.
それはいいですね。
That’s good, isn’t it.
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