How do you say "Good boy" in Japanese?

"Good boy" in Japanese is "いい子だね". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘Good boy’ in Japanese

Q: What does "いい子だね" mean in English?

"いい子だね" means "Good boy" in English. Usage tip: Adding [だね] makes it sound softer and more conversational: “You’re a good one, aren’t you.” Works for male or female dogs despite the English translation.

いい子だね

ii ko da ne

[ee ko da neh]

💬 Usage Tip: Adding [だね] makes it sound softer and more conversational: “You’re a good one, aren’t you.” Works for male or female dogs despite the English translation.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese pet praise often uses a sweet, rising tone. [いい子だね] is something you may hear at parks, clinics, and at home.

Phrase Breakdown

いい

[ee]

good

Used to praise the dog as being good, gentle, or well-behaved.

Example

いい子だねって言うと、いい顔をするよ。

When I say “You’re a good boy/girl,” my dog makes a happy face.

子

[ko]

child; kid

In pet talk, 子 affectionately refers to the dog as a little one or boy/girl.

Example

その子はほんとうにいい子だね。

That dog is really a good boy/girl.

だ

[da]

A plain copula that states something directly. Here it supports the warm phrase いい子だね.

Example

ほんとうにいい子だね、だってすぐ来たから。

You really are a good boy/girl, because you came right away.

ね

[neh]

isn't it; right

A soft sentence-ending particle adding warmth, agreement, or affection. Very common when talking to dogs.

Example

いい子だね、ねってやさしく話しかける。

You’re a good boy/girl, right—I speak gently with “ne.”

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