How to Say ‘Your Japanese is very good.’ in Japanese
日本語がお上手ですね。
nihon go ga o jouzu desu ne
[nee-HOHN goh ga oh JOH-zoo dess neh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese people say this generously, often after just a few words, so it's encouragement rather than an assessment. The expected reply is to modestly deny it.
Phrase Breakdown
日本語が
nihon go ga
Japanese (language) (subject)
日本語 (nihongo) means 'Japanese language', and が marks the subject. Say it as ni-hon-go ga.
日本語が好きです。
I like Japanese.
Words in this phrase
日本
nihon
[nee-HOHN]
Japan
The name of the country. With の it describes something or someone from Japan.
日本は島の国です。
Japan is an island country.
語
go
[goh]
language
Suffix meaning language, attached to country names.
英語を話します。
I speak English.
が
ga
[ga]
subject marker
A particle marking the subject of the sentence.
興味がある分野を教えてください。
Please tell me the field you are interested in.
お上手ですね。
o jouzu desu ne
is very good, isn't it
お上手 (ojouzu) is a polite way to say 'skillful'. ね asks for agreement. Lengthen 'jo': o-jo-o-zu.
料理がお上手ですね。
You're a great cook.
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
お adds politeness to certain words and expressions.
チケットを二枚お願いします。
Two tickets, please.
上手
jouzu
[JOH-zoo]
skillful; good at
A na-adjective for praising someone's skill. People usually say it about others, not about themselves.
料理が上手ですね。
You're a good cook.
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?
Adds agreement, softness, or confirmation.
安心できますね。
It makes you feel at ease, doesn't it?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager