The Meaning of migoto [見事] In Japanese

見事
みごと
Romaji: migoto N1

What does 見事 mean?

Translation and Meaning

see, matter

Definition

What does 見事 mean? It denotes something excellent or impressive, often indicating that something was done very well or is a striking sight. It is used to praise performances, results, or appearances, conveying admiration for quality, skill, or visual impact.

Type

adjective (na-adjective)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Splendid or impressive quality or result that stands out
  • A sight to behold, a remarkable scene
  • Exclamatory usage 見事! to express admiration or approval
  • Can function as a na-adjective modifying nouns or appearing in だ/な forms to describe people, performances, or objects

Composition

  • 見 see; to perceive or observe
  • 事 matter, affair, or event
  • When combined, they yield a figurative sense of something worthy of being seen, conveying admiration for quality, skill, or spectacle

Usage

Used to praise achievements, performances, or appearances; appropriate in both formal writing and everyday speech. Common with the だ/な-form (見事だ, 見事な演技) and with adverbial 見事に to describe how something is done (見事に成功する), as well as to describe a scene (見事な景色).
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a grand scene and tell yourself that it is something you should truly see; the pairing of seeing and matter helps recall migoto as a remark of exceptional quality.

Variations

  • 素晴らしい (subarashii) — synonym meaning wonderful
  • 立派 (rippa) — synonym meaning splendid, impressive
  • 華麗 (karei) — synonym meaning gorgeous, splendid
  • 平凡 (heibon) — antonym meaning ordinary

Example Phrases

  • 彼の演技は見事で、観客は大きく拍手した。
    Kare no engi wa migoto de, kankyaku wa ookiku hakushu shita.
    His acting was splendid, and the audience applauded loudly.
    Lista:
    • 彼の (kare no) – his
    • 演技 (engi) – acting
    • は (wa) – (topic marker)
    • 見事 (migoto) – splendid
    • で (de) – (connective particle)
    • 観客 (kankyaku) – audience
    • は (wa) – (topic marker)
    • 大きく (ookiku) – loudly
    • 拍手 (hakushu) – applause
    • した (shita) – did
    Ideia central: 「見事」 funciona como elogio; neste contexto, modifica 演技 para indicar uma performance admirável.
見事