How to say "admirable" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- i-adjectiveCovers 'admirable' as warm praise of a person's effort, conduct or achievement, often addressed directly to the person being praised. The admiration is personal and encouraging.
- 健気けなげna-adjective, nounDescribes a person, or their efforts, as admirable for persevering earnestly at something hard, often uncomplainingly and for another's sake; the praise is for the spirit shown rather than the result.
- 殊勝しゅしょうna-adjective, nounCovers 'admirable' as approval of a person's attitude or conduct, focusing on the spirit or frame of mind shown. It voices praise for how someone behaves more than for what they achieve.
- 心憎いこころにくいi-adjectiveCovers 'admirable' as praise for a performance or piece of work so refined and skillful it almost provokes envy. It praises the artistry of the thing, not the character of the doer.
- 見事みごとna-adjective, adverbReally means 'splendid' or 'magnificent', praising a performance, attempt or result as impressively done. For 'admirable' as moral approval of a person it is only marginal; use it when the achievement itself impresses.
Use 「えらい」 for warm praise of effort or conduct, 健気 for earnest, devoted perseverance, 殊勝 for a commendable attitude or frame of mind, 「心憎い」 for work of enviable finesse, and 見事 for splendid results.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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