Quick Reference

Meaning & Definition

Sugoi (凄い) means ‘amazing,’ ‘incredible,’ or ‘awesome.’ It’s one of the most versatile and frequently used adjectives in casual Japanese, expressing enthusiasm, amazement, or strong impression.

Sugoi is an i-adjective expressing amazement or strong positive impression. ‘Sugoi desu!’ (That’s amazing!) expresses enthusiasm. The word ranges from mild amazement to intense awe. Unlike formal words like ‘shuuchouteki’ (remarkable), sugoi is casual and energetic. Sugoi can also be used negatively: ‘sugoi kaze’ (terrible cold), ‘sugoi ame’ (pouring rain). The adverbial form ‘sugoku’ (very/incredibly) intensifies other adjectives: sugoku kirei (incredibly beautiful), sugoku hayai (amazingly fast). Sugoi permeates casual speech among young Japanese people.

How to Use It

Sugoi is an i-adjective: sugoi → sugokunai (not amazing), sugokatta (was amazing). Intonation matters—strong enthusiasm emphasizes the drawn-out ‘oo.’ The word works as standalone exclamation: ‘Sugoi!’ (Amazing!). In written form, it’s very casual; formal writing uses alternatives. Regional and generational variations exist—some Japanese prefer ‘yabai’ or ‘hanzai’ for similar meanings.

Kanji Breakdown

凄 (sugoi) originally depicted an ominous or intense emotion, though modern usage emphasizes positive amazement.

Example Sentences

Cultural Context

Sugoi reflects Japanese casual speech patterns and youth culture. Young Japanese frequently use sugoi to express enthusiasm, making it essential for understanding natural conversation.

The word demonstrates how Japanese casual language differs from formal registers. While formal Japanese has sophisticated vocabulary for amazement, casual conversation relies on energetic, simple words like sugoi. Understanding this contrast helps learners navigate different social contexts.

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