How to Say ‘That bag is lovely.’ in Japanese
そのかばん、すてきですね。
sono kaban suteki desu ne
[sono kah-BAHN soo-teh-kee dess neh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Complimenting someone's belongings is an easy, low-pressure way to start chatting in Japan. It feels less personal than commenting on their looks.
Phrase Breakdown
そのかばん、
sono kaban
that bag,
'Sono' means 'that' (near the listener), and 'kaban' means bag. Pause at the comma.
そのかばんは新しいですか。
Is that bag new?
Words in this phrase
その
sono
[sono]
that
Refers to something previously mentioned or understood.
その力を信じる。
Believe in 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, isn't it.
A compliment that invites agreement. 'Ne' softens it and makes it friendly.
この部屋、すてきですね。
This room is lovely.
Words in this phrase
すてき
suteki
[soo-teh-kee]
lovely; wonderful; nice
A positive word for something attractive, admirable, or charming.
その写真はすてきです。
That photo is lovely.
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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