Usage Explanation ①: すごい (sugoi) – “Wow!” “Amazing!” (Casual)

すごい (sugoi) is an i-adjective. It is the most common word for “amazing” in daily conversation.

It expresses a strong emotion or surprise. It focuses on the speaker’s feeling of “Wow!” It is often used casually with friends and family.

Example 1: (Surprise)

わあ、あの車、すごい！(Wā, ano kuruma, sugoi!)

Wow, that car is amazing! (Cool / Whoa)

Example 2: (Skill)

日本語（にほんご）がすごいですね。(Nihongo ga sugoi desu ne.)

Your Japanese is amazing! (You are very skilled!)

Example 3: (Adverb usage)

今日（きょう）は、すごく 暑（あつ）いです。(Kyō wa, sugoku atsui desu.)

It is extremely hot today. (Used as “very” or “terribly”.)

Usage Explanation ②: すばらしい (subarashii) – “Wonderful” (Formal)

すばらしい (subarashii) is also an i-adjective. It means “wonderful,” “splendid,” “magnificent,” or “excellent.”

It expresses pure praise and admiration. It sounds intelligent, polite, and objective. It focuses on the high quality of the thing or person.

Example 1: (Praising a view)

富士山（ふじさん）の景色（けしき）は、すばらしいです。(Fujisan no keshiki wa, subarashii desu.)

The view of Mt. Fuji is magnificent.

Example 2: (Praising a performance)

すばらしい 演奏（えんそう）でした。(Subarashii ensō deshita.)

It was a splendid performance.

Example 3: (Formal praise)

彼は、すばらしい 医者（いしゃ）です。(Kare wa, subarashii isha desu.)

He is an excellent doctor. (Respectful)

Comparison: すごい vs すばらしい

Let’s compare the nuance.

Common Mistake Examples

Mistake 1: Using “Subarashii” for a bad situation

Wrong:

昨日（きのう）、すばらしい 事故（じこ）を見ました。(Kinō, subarashii jiko o mimashita.)

Correct:

昨日（きのう）、すごい 事故（じこ）を見ました。(Kinō, sugoi jiko o mimashita.)

Why?

You cannot use すばらしい for an accident. It sounds like you are happy about the accident! Use すごい (terrible/extreme) or ひどい (bad).

Mistake 2: In a very formal speech

A little too casual:

社長（しゃちょう）のスピーチは、すごかったです。(Shachō no supīchi wa, sugokatta desu.)

Better/Polite:

社長（しゃちょう）のスピーチは、すばらしかったです。(Shachō no supīchi wa, subarashikatta desu.)

Why?

すごい sounds a bit childish or too emotional for a formal situation with a boss. すばらしい shows more respect and intelligence.

Practice Quiz

Let’s check your understanding! Choose the correct word for ( ).

Q1.

（手品（てじな – magic trick）を見て）「わあ、( ) ！」

(Watching a magic trick) “Wow, ( )!”

1. すごい (sugoi)
2. すばらしい (subarashii)

Q2.

彼女（かのじょ）は、世界（せかい）を助（たす）ける ( ) 活動（かつどう）をしています。

She is doing ( ) activities to help the world.

1. すごい (sugoi)
2. すばらしい (subarashii)

Q3.

台風（たいふう）の風（かぜ）が ( ) ですね。

The typhoon wind is ( ), isn’t it. (Meaning: It’s terribly strong)

1. すごい (sugoi)
2. すばらしい (subarashii)

Summary: Key Differences

Both are great words, but use them differently:

• すごい (sugoi): Casual, Emotional, “Wow!” Can mean “very” or “terrible.” Use with friends.
• すばらしい (subarashii): Formal, Polite, “Wonderful.” Pure praise. Use in speeches or for high-quality things.

Start with すごい for daily life, and switch to すばらしい when you want to sound polite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use すごい (sugoi) to your boss?

A1: It is better to avoid it. すごい (sugoi) is very casual and emotional. If you want to praise your boss or a superior, すばらしい (subarashii) is safer and more polite. Or you can say “Respect!” (尊敬します – sonkei shimasu).

Q2: What is すげー (sugē)?

A2: This is a very slang version of すごい (sugoi). You will hear it in anime or among male friends. It means “Awesome!” or “Whoa!” Never use it in formal situations.

Q3: Can すばらしい (subarashii) be used for bad things?

A3: No. すばらしい (subarashii) is always positive praise (Excellent, Splendid). But すごい (sugoi) can be used for bad things to mean “terrible” or “extreme” (e.g., すごい事故 – a terrible accident).

Related Articles

• The Difference Between 「うるさい (urusai)」 and 「にぎやか (nigiyaka)」
• The Difference Between 「よい (yoi)」 and 「いい (ii)」 (Good)