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Learning Tips

A single word can express a strong feeling

Words like “Sugoi!” (Amazing!) or “Kawaii!” (Cute!) may be short, but they can fully express emotions like surprise or joy in Japanese.

Facial expression and tone matter

Even with the same phrase like “Kawaii!”, the way you say it and your facial expression can change the nuance. Try to match your reaction to your real feelings.

Use these phrases in casual situations

These expressions are perfect for everyday conversations and on social media. Mastering them is a great first step to sounding more natural in Japanese.

1. Positive Reaction

すごい！

“すごい (Sugoi)” is one of the most commonly used reaction words in Japanese. It can express a wide range of positive emotions such as surprise, admiration, and excitement. You might say “Sugoi!” when a friend passes a tough exam or when you’re impressed by someone’s skills or efforts. Depending on your tone, it can convey joy, amazement, or empathy.

2. Negative Reactions

うそでしょ？

“うそでしょ？ (Uso desho?)” is a common phrase used when reacting to surprising or hard-to-believe news. It’s similar to saying “No way!” or “Are you serious?” in English. It’s often used in casual conversations with friends to express disbelief, mild shock, or confusion. Depending on your tone, it can sound playful or slightly negative.

3. Expressions of Surprise

ほんとに！？

“ほんとに！ (Hontoni!)” is a casual version of “Hontou ni?” and is used to express surprise or empathy. When you hear something unexpected or touching, saying “Hontoni!?” shows that you’re emotionally involved. If said with a rising tone, it expresses surprise; said softly, it shows understanding or agreement. It’s a common and useful phrase in daily conversation and social media.

4. Emotional Reactions

かんどうした！

Expressions like “Kandou shita” (I was moved) are often used to describe emotional experiences. In a culture where people tend to express emotions subtly, kandou conveys a deep internal resonance or quiet joy rather than dramatic emotion. This phrase is commonly used to describe feelings touched by movies, music, kindness, or beauty, and it naturally communicates sincere emotion in conversation.

5. Empathetic Reactions

わかる！

“Wakaru!” means more than just “I understand.” It expresses strong empathy, showing that you feel the same way as the other person. In Japanese culture, sharing emotions and creating harmony in conversation is important, so saying “Wakaru!” helps build trust and closeness. It’s a casual and friendly phrase used by people of all ages, especially in daily conversations among friends or on social media.

6. Appearance and Atmosphere

かわいい〜！

“かわいい！ (Kawaii!)” is one of the most popular Japanese reaction words, used when you see something adorable—like a cute person, animal, outfit, or item. It expresses affection, admiration, or delight in a friendly and natural way. People of all ages use it, and it’s perfect for daily conversations, shopping, or reacting to photos on social media.