The distinction between “いいですね” and “よかったですね”
Table of Contents
1. The distinction between “いいですね” and “よかったですね”
2. いいですね
3. よかったですね
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Is it necessary to differentiate between “いいですね” and “よかったですね”?
A: Both are expressions used to respond positively to what someone says, but there are slight differences in how they are used.
いいですね
This expression is used to respond positively to proposals, future plans, or information that has not yet been realized, conveying feelings such as “good” or “wonderful.” When responding to proposals, it implies agreement.
[Examples]
A「来月、北海道へ行くんです。」（情報）
B「それはいいですね！」
A: “I’m going to Hokkaido next month.” (Information)
B: “That sounds great!”
⇒ This shows a positive reaction to hearing about the upcoming trip to Hokkaido.
A「パーティーの場所、このレストランはどうですか。」（提案）
B「いいですね。」
A: “How about this restaurant for the party venue?” (Proposal)
B: “Sounds good.”
⇒ This indicates agreement with the proposed restaurant.
よかったですね
This expression is used to show a positive reaction to the other person’s experiences or events that have already occurred. It conveys feelings such as “That was a good outcome” or “I’m happy to hear that.” Additionally, it carries a nuance of empathy when the other person seems happy or excited.
[Examples]
Ａ「先月、北海道に行ったんです。」
Ｂ「それはよかったですね！」
A: “I went to Hokkaido last month.”
B: “That’s wonderful!”
⇒ The trip to Hokkaido is an event that has already occurred.
A「先月、孫が生まれたんですよ。」
B「それはよかったですね！」
A: “My grandchild was born last month.”
B: “That’s wonderful!”
⇒ Hearing about the grandchild’s birth evokes feelings of joy and empathy.
Let’s Compare
Here’s a scenario to consider: which response is more appropriate?
[Example]
A「来月からチームのマネージャーになります。」
A: “I’ll become the team manager starting next month.”
B「それはいいですね！」VS「それはよかったですね！」
The correct answer is: “それはよかったですね！(That’s wonderful!)”
Generally, “いいですね” is used for future or yet-to-be-realized situations, while “よかったですね” is used for already determined facts or events.
Although becoming a manager will happen next month, it is a decided fact or result. Additionally, the speaker likely wants to share in the other person’s joy about the promotion, making “よかったですね” the more fitting response.
Summary
[いいですね]
- Used for future events or things that have not yet happened.
- Expresses a positive reaction like “good” or “wonderful” to proposals or information just heard.
- When used for proposals, it carries the nuance of agreement.
[よかったですね]
- Used for past events or things that have already occurred.
- Expresses feelings like “It was a good outcome” or “I’m happy to hear that.”
- It conveys empathy when the other person seems happy or pleased.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. いいですね
山田：「今度、温泉に行こうと思ってるんです。」
田中：「へえ、それはいいですね！」
Yamada: “I’m planning to go to a hot spring soon.”
Tanaka: “Oh, that sounds great.”
*Since Yamada is talking about a future event, “いいですね” is appropriate.
A. よかったですね
山田：「Ｎ１に合格しました！」
田中：「おめでとうございます！よかったですね！」
Yamada: “I passed the N1 exam!”
Tanaka: “Congratulations! That’s wonderful!”
*Expressing joy and empathy about Yamada’s achievement makes “よかったですね” the better choice.
A. よかったですね
山田：「ついにこの商品が発売できることになりました。」
田中：「よかったですね！」
Yamada: “Finally, this product is ready to launch!”
Tanaka: “That’s wonderful!”
*As the product launch is a decided fact, “よかったですね” is appropriate.
A. いいですね
山田：「社長、次の会議の資料はこれでどうでしょうか。」
社長：「いいですね。これを使いましょう。」
Yamada: “President, how about this material for the next meeting?”
President: “Sounds good. Let’s use it.”
*Since the president is showing agreement with the proposal, “いいですね” is the best fit.
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