How to Say ‘That’s admirable.’ in Japanese
えらいですね。
えらいですね。
💬 Usage Tip: Adding [ですね] softens and shares the feeling: “That’s admirable, isn’t it?” It’s a warm, friendly reaction.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Reacting with small supportive phrases like [えらいですね] helps conversations flow in Japan—people value this kind of empathy.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
えらいえらい
[erai]
admirable; impressive
A friendly compliment. Often said after hearing someone works/studies hard.
大学で経済を勉強しているんですか。えらいですね。
Oh, you study economics at university? That’s impressive.
ですです
[desu]
to be (polite copula)
Polite sentence ending that states or confirms information. Used in polite conversation and self-introductions.
わたしは学生です。
I am a student.
ねね
[ne]
right?; isn’t it?; you know (seeking agreement)
Sentence-ending particle used to soften a statement and invite agreement (friendly tone).
毎日勉強するのは大変ですね。
Studying every day is tough, isn’t it?
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