How to Say ‘Your Japanese is good.’ in Japanese
日本語、上手ですね。
nihon go jouzu desu ne
[Nihon goh joh-zoo dess neh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Foreigners hear this often, sometimes after saying just a word or two. It's mostly friendly encouragement, and the expected reply is to modestly brush it off.
Phrase Breakdown
日本語、
nihon go
Your Japanese,
日本語 (nihongo) means 'Japanese language'. Say 'ni-hon-go' with a clear 'n' before 'go'.
日本語を勉強しています。
I'm studying Japanese.
Words in this phrase
日本
nihon
[Nihon]
Japan
A country in East Asia located in the Pacific Ocean.
日本の食事を楽しむ。
Enjoy a meal in Japan.
語
go
[goh]
language
Suffix meaning language, attached to country names.
英語を話します。
I speak English.
上手ですね。
jouzu desu ne
is very good.
This is a common compliment. Stretch 'jou' in 'jouzu' and end softly with 'ne'.
料理、上手ですね。
You're a good cook.
Words in this phrase
上手
jouzu
[joh-zoo]
skillful; good at
Used to praise someone's putting or golf technique.
パットがとても上手ですね。
Your putting is very good.
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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