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B1 adjective #3,000 most common 13 min read

良好

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 良好 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 良好 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Japanese. You probably know the word 'ii' (いい), which means 'good.' The word '良好' (ryōkō) also means 'good,' but it is much more formal. Think of it as a 'grown-up' or 'official' way to say 'good.' In A1, you don't need to use this word often when you speak to friends. However, you might see it in simple signs or health forms. For example, if you see 'Jōtai: Ryōkō' (状態: 良好) on a medical paper, it just means 'Condition: Good.' You can remember it as two parts: 'Ryō' (good) and 'Kō' (favorable). Even at this basic level, knowing that 'ryōkō' exists helps you understand that Japanese has different words for 'good' depending on if the situation is casual or formal. If you use it, people will think your Japanese is very polite! But for now, just focus on recognizing it when you see it in reports or formal writing. It is a 'na-adjective,' so if you want to say 'a good relationship,' you would say 'ryōkō na kankei.' Don't worry if it feels a bit difficult; just think of it as the 'official good.'

By the A2 level, you are beginning to handle daily tasks and simple descriptions. '良好' (ryōkō) is a useful word to know for more specific descriptions of status. While you use 'ii' for things like 'good weather' (ii tenki) in conversation, you might see 'ryōkō' in a weather report on TV or in a newspaper. It is particularly common when talking about health or the state of something you own. For example, if you are selling a used camera online, you might write 'Jōtai wa ryōkō desu' (The condition is good). This sounds more reliable to a buyer than just saying 'ii desu.' In A2, you should start noticing that 'ryōkō' is often paired with nouns like 'kankei' (relationship) or 'jōtai' (condition). It’s a 'na-adjective,' so remember the 'na' when it’s in front of a noun. Using 'ryōkō' instead of 'ii' in a formal setting, like a school interview or a doctor’s visit, shows that you are moving beyond basic Japanese and starting to understand social registers. It helps you sound more objective and less emotional when you are stating facts.

At the B1 level, you are becoming an intermediate learner. You can now understand the difference between subjective 'goodness' and objective 'favorability.' '良好' (ryōkō) is a key word for this distinction. It is a formal na-adjective used to describe a state or condition that meets a satisfactory standard. You will frequently encounter it in business contexts, news reports, and medical settings. For instance, instead of saying your relationship with your boss is 'ii' (which sounds a bit too personal), you would say it is 'ryōkō' (which sounds professional and stable). You should also learn common collocations like 'shikai ryōkō' (good visibility) and 'hiatari ryōkō' (good sunlight). These are standard phrases in aviation, driving, and real estate. At this level, you should be able to use 'ryōkō' correctly in both writing and formal speaking. Remember that it describes the *state* of something, not the character of a person or the taste of food. If you are writing a report for work or a formal essay, 'ryōkō' is almost always a better choice than 'ii' or 'yoi' because it provides a more clinical, evidence-based tone. It suggests that things are 'favorable' based on a certain criteria.

As a B2 learner, you are expected to have a firm grasp of formal vocabulary and nuances. '良好' (ryōkō) should now be a standard part of your professional and academic lexicon. You should understand that 'ryōkō' implies a qualitative assessment against a benchmark. It is not just 'good'; it is 'satisfactory in a way that allows for progress or safety.' In B2, you should be able to distinguish 'ryōkō' from similar words like 'kōchō' (booming/in top form) or 'junchō' (smooth/on schedule). For example, a project could be 'junchō' (on time) but its current results might only be 'ryōkō' (satisfactory, but not excellent). You will see 'ryōkō' used in complex sentences describing international relations, economic indicators, or scientific results. For example, 'Ryōkoku-kan no kankei wa ryōkō ni iji sarete iru' (The relationship between the two countries is being maintained favorably). You should also be comfortable using it in the adverbial form 'ryōkō ni' to describe how something is functioning or progressing. At this stage, your focus should be on the subtle 'objective' feel of the word—it conveys a sense of stability and correctness that is essential for high-level communication in Japanese society.

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native fluency and should be sensitive to the stylistic implications of '良好' (ryōkō). This word is a staple of 'kōgo' (written/formal language) and is used to maintain a professional distance while providing a positive evaluation. In C1, you will analyze how 'ryōkō' is used in legal documents, high-level business negotiations, and academic journals. It often functions as a benchmark for 'compliance' or 'adequacy.' For example, in an environmental report, 'suishitsu ryōkō' (good water quality) means the water meets specific safety standards. You should also be aware of its use in psychological or sociological contexts, such as 'ryōkō na ningen kankei no kōtsu' (the construction of favorable human relationships), where it describes a healthy social dynamic. At this level, you can use 'ryōkō' to contrast with more specific terms like 'retsuaku' (vile/inferior) or 'furyō' (defective). You should also be able to use it in sophisticated structures, such as 'ryōkō to wa iigatai' (hard to call favorable), to express a nuanced, cautious opinion. Your mastery of 'ryōkō' reflects your ability to navigate the formal 'tatemae' (public face) of Japanese communication, where objective assessment is prioritized over personal sentiment.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of Japanese and can use '良好' (ryōkō) with the same precision as a native speaker in any professional or academic field. You understand the historical and kanji-based roots of the word, recognizing '良' and '好' as classic markers of quality and favorability. In C2, you can use 'ryōkō' to discuss complex systemic states, such as the 'ryōkō na zaisei jōtai' (favorable fiscal condition) of a nation or the 'ryōkō na seitai-kei' (favorable/healthy ecosystem) of a protected area. You are also aware of its rhythmic and stylistic role in 'four-character compounds' or formal prose. You can expertly navigate the boundaries between 'ryōkō,' 'zenryō' (virtuous), and 'shijō' (supreme), choosing 'ryōkō' specifically when an objective, evaluative, and stable 'goodness' is required. Whether you are drafting a corporate policy, a medical research paper, or a diplomatic communique, you use 'ryōkō' to signal a state that is not just positive, but functionally optimal and socially acceptable. You also understand its negation in formal contexts, using it to describe conditions that are 'not quite favorable' without being overly critical, thus maintaining the 'wa' (harmony) in professional discourse. Your use of 'ryōkō' is seamless, reflecting a deep internalization of Japanese linguistic registers and societal norms.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

良好 in 30 Seconds

良好 (ryōkō) is a formal na-adjective meaning 'good' or 'favorable,' typically used for status reports.
It is commonly used in medical, business, and technical contexts to describe conditions or relationships.
Unlike 'ii,' it sounds objective and professional, making it suitable for formal writing and speech.
Common phrases include 'kenkō jōtai ryōkō' (good health) and 'ryōkō na kankei' (good relationship).

The Japanese word 良好 (りょうこう - ryōkō) is a sophisticated na-adjective that translates to 'good,' 'favorable,' 'satisfactory,' or 'excellent' depending on the specific context. Unlike the more common and general word 'ii' or 'yoi,' 良好 carries a formal, objective, and often technical nuance. It suggests that a certain state, condition, or relationship meets a high standard or is progressing without any issues. When you use 良好, you are not just saying something is 'nice'; you are providing a qualitative assessment that things are functioning as they should be. This word is ubiquitous in professional reports, medical evaluations, and formal social commentary. For instance, in a medical setting, a doctor wouldn't just say your health is 'ii'; they would state that your 'kenkō jōtai' (health condition) is 'ryōkō.' This implies a professional verification of your status. In the realm of human relationships, 'ryōkō na kankei' refers to a stable, productive, and positive connection between parties, often used in business or diplomatic contexts to describe the state of affairs between two companies or nations. It is important to note that 良好 is rarely used to describe the inherent 'goodness' of a person's character in a moral sense; rather, it describes the 'state' of something. If you want to say someone is a 'good person,' you stick with 'ii hito.' If you want to say the communication between you and that person is 'good,' then 良好 is the perfect choice.

Objective Status: Used when reporting facts about conditions like weather, health, or machinery performance.

Formal Relationships: Commonly describes the 'health' of a partnership or social bond in professional writing.

Technical Suitability: Indicates that conditions are perfect for a specific activity, such as 'shikai ryōkō' (good visibility).

手術後の経過は非常に良好です。(The progress after the surgery is extremely favorable.)

Furthermore, the kanji composition of 良好 provides deep insight into its meaning. The first character, 良 (ryō), means 'good' or 'excellent' and is often found in words related to quality. The second character, 好 (kō), means 'to like' or 'favorable.' Together, they create a sense of something being 'favorable in quality.' This is why the word is so frequently paired with 'jōtai' (condition) or 'kankei' (relationship). It describes a state that is not just acceptable, but actually desirable and positive. In daily life, you might hear this on the news when weather reporters discuss 'shikai' (visibility) for drivers or pilots. If visibility is 'ryōkō,' it means it is clear and safe. In an academic or psychological context, 'ryōkō na hattatsu' (favorable development) describes a child reaching milestones healthily. The versatility of 良好 lies in its ability to provide a clinical or formal stamp of approval on a situation. Whether it is the 'ryōkō' economy of a country or the 'ryōkō' ventilation of a building, the word signifies that everything is operating at a high, satisfactory level. Using it correctly will immediately elevate your Japanese from a basic conversational level to a more professional and educated register.

両国間には良好な協力関係が築かれています。(A favorable cooperative relationship has been built between the two countries.)

今日の海は波が穏やかで、視界も良好だ。(The sea is calm today, and visibility is also good.)

テストの結果、エンジンの状態は良好と判断されました。(As a result of the test, the engine condition was judged to be favorable.)

彼らは近所の人たちと良好な付き合いをしている。(They have a good relationship with their neighbors.)

Grammatically, 良好 (ryōkō) functions as a 'na-adjective' (keigo-doushi), which means it requires specific particles depending on its position in a sentence. To describe a noun directly, you must add 'na' after 良好. For example, 'ryōkō na kankei' (a good relationship). When it appears at the end of a sentence to describe a subject, it is followed by the copula 'da' or 'desu,' such as 'Jōtai wa ryōkō desu' (The condition is good). This structural consistency makes it relatively easy to plug into formal Japanese sentences. One of the most critical aspects of using 良好 correctly is understanding its descriptive range. It is almost always used to describe an abstract 'state' or 'condition' rather than a physical object's appearance. You wouldn't use 良好 to say a cake tastes good or a sunset looks good; instead, you use it to describe the 'balance of flavors' or the 'atmospheric conditions' for viewing the sunset. This distinction is vital for learners who might over-rely on 'ii' and want to sound more precise.

Modifying Nouns: [Noun] + na + [Noun]. Example: 良好な治安 (ryōkō na chian - good public safety).

Predicate Usage: [Subject] + wa + 良好 + desu. Example: 景気は良好です (keiki wa ryōkō desu - the economy is favorable).

Adverbial Usage: 良好 + ni + [Verb]. Example: 良好に機能している (ryōkō ni kinō shite iru - functioning well).

この地域は良好な住環境が整っています。(This area has a favorable living environment.)

When constructing sentences with 良好, think about the 'standard' being met. If you are describing a patient’s health, the standard is 'normal functioning.' If you are describing a machine, the standard is 'operating according to specifications.' Because of this, 良好 is often paired with intensifying adverbs like 'hijō ni' (extremely) or 'gokute' (very) to emphasize how well the standard is being surpassed. Conversely, to negate it, you would use 'ryōkō dewa nai' (is not favorable) or simply use the antonym 'furyō' (bad/defective). In business contexts, using 良好 allows you to remain neutral and professional. Instead of saying a partnership is 'happy,' you say it is 'ryōkō,' which implies it is professional, stable, and meeting business objectives. This nuance is key for anyone working in a Japanese corporate environment or reading Japanese news. It provides a level of objectivity that 'ii' simply cannot convey. Whether you are discussing the 'ryōkō na kankei' between coworkers or the 'ryōkō na shūeki' (favorable profits) of a firm, the word serves as a benchmark for success and stability.

新しい薬のおかげで、血圧は良好な数値を示しています。(Thanks to the new medicine, blood pressure is showing favorable numbers.)

ネットワークの接続状態は現在、非常に良好です。(The network connection status is currently extremely good.)

そのプロジェクトは、良好な進捗を見せている。(The project is showing favorable progress.)

日当たりの良好な部屋を探しています。(I am looking for a room with good sunlight.)

You will encounter 良好 (ryōkō) in several specific domains of Japanese life, each using the word to signify a high level of functional quality. The most common place is likely the medical field. During a health checkup (kenkō shindan), your results might be categorized as 'ryōkō' if everything is normal. Doctors use this term to reassure patients without being overly emotional. It provides a sense of clinical accuracy. Another major domain is the news and financial reporting. When economists discuss the 'keiki' (economic condition) or 'koyō jōtai' (employment status), they frequently use 良好 to indicate that the numbers are trending positively. For example, 'Koyō jōtai wa ryōkō ni suii shite iru' (The employment status is transitioning favorably). This formal tone is essential for maintaining the gravity of economic reports. In the world of technology and infrastructure, 良好 is used to describe the state of systems. If you are checking the Wi-Fi signal on a Japanese device, the status might read 'ryōkō' to indicate a strong and stable connection.

Hospital Settings: Hearing 'Kekka wa ryōkō desu' (Results are good) after a blood test or X-ray.

Weather Reports: Listening for 'shikai ryōkō' (good visibility) during traffic or aviation weather updates.

Business Meetings: Discussing 'ryōkō na torihiki kankei' (good business relationship) with partners.

今日の登山は視界が良好で、山頂からの眺めが素晴らしかった。(Visibility was good for today's mountain climbing, and the view from the summit was wonderful.)

Beyond these professional settings, 良好 appears in social contexts where a certain level of decorum is expected. For example, in a letter of recommendation or a performance review, an employer might write that an employee maintains 'ryōkō na ningen kankei' (good interpersonal relationships) with their colleagues. This is a standard phrase that sounds much more professional than saying they are 'friendly.' In real estate, listings often highlight 'hiatari ryōkō' (good sunlight) as a key selling point for an apartment. This means the room gets plenty of natural light, which is highly valued in Japanese housing. You will also see it in academic papers or scientific journals to describe the results of an experiment. If a chemical reaction occurs as expected, the 'shūryō' (yield) might be described as 'ryōkō.' Essentially, whenever there is a need to evaluate a situation against a set of expectations or standards, 良好 is the go-to word. Recognizing it in these various contexts will help you understand the underlying tone of the communication—one that is objective, evaluative, and formal.

このエンジンは、長期間の使用にもかかわらず良好な状態を保っています。(This engine maintains a good condition despite long-term use.)

政府は、近隣諸国との良好な関係を維持することに努めている。(The government is striving to maintain good relations with neighboring countries.)

検査の結果、水質は非常に良好であることが分かりました。(As a result of the inspection, the water quality was found to be very good.)

昨夜はぐっすり眠れたので、体調は良好だ。(I slept soundly last night, so my physical condition is good.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 良好 (ryōkō) is overusing it in casual conversation or using it to describe personal tastes. For example, if a friend asks how your lunch was, saying 'Ryōkō desu' would sound incredibly strange and overly clinical. It would be like saying 'The lunch was in a satisfactory state of quality' instead of 'It was good.' In casual settings, you should always stick to 'oishii' or 'umai' for food, and 'ii' or 'yokatta' for general experiences. Another common error is using 良好 to describe a person's character. In English, we say 'He is a good person.' In Japanese, you cannot say 'Kare wa ryōkō na hito desu.' This sounds like you are evaluating him as a piece of equipment or a medical patient. To describe someone's personality, 'ii hito' or 'seikaku ga ii' are the correct choices. 良好 is reserved for the 'state' of things or the 'relationship' between people, not the people themselves.

Misuse with Food: Mistake: このケーキは良好だ (This cake is favorable). Correct: このケーキはおいしい (This cake is delicious).

Misuse with People: Mistake: 良好な友達 (A favorable friend). Correct: いい友達 (A good friend).

Confusing with 'Yoi': 良好 is for reports and status; 'yoi/ii' is for feelings and general quality.

❌ 彼はとても良好な先生です。(Incorrect: He is a very favorable teacher.)

Another subtle mistake is forgetting that 良好 is a na-adjective. Learners often try to use it like an i-adjective, saying 'ryōkō kankei' without the 'na.' This is grammatically incorrect and sounds abrupt. Always remember to include 'na' when modifying a noun. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 良好 with 健全 (kenzen - healthy/sound) or 好調 (kōchō - in good shape/doing well). While they are related, 健全 is more about moral or structural soundness (like a 'sound mind' or 'healthy finances'), and 好調 is specifically about 'performance' or 'momentum' (like an athlete on a winning streak or a business that is currently booming). 良好 is the most neutral and broad of these terms, focusing purely on the 'satisfactory state' of the subject. Finally, avoid using 良好 in negative sentences where 'warui' would be more natural. While 'ryōkō dewa nai' is technically correct, it sounds very stiff. In most cases, if something isn't good, Japanese speakers will use a more specific negative term like 'furyō' (defective) or simply 'yoku nai' (not good).

❌ 今日の気分は良好です。(Awkward: Today's mood is favorable. Better: 気分がいいです。)

❌ 良好な映画を見ました。(Incorrect: I watched a favorable movie. Better: いい映画を見ました。)

❌ 彼の日本語は良好です。(Incorrect: His Japanese is favorable. Better: 日本語が上手です。)

❌ この靴は良好です。(Incorrect: These shoes are favorable. Better: この靴はいいです。)

To truly master 良好 (ryōkō), it is helpful to compare it with other Japanese words that mean 'good' or 'favorable.' The most obvious comparison is with 'ii' (いい) or 'yoi' (良い). While 'ii' is the universal word for 'good' used in almost every casual situation, 良好 is restricted to formal, objective assessments. If you say 'taichō ga ii,' you are saying you feel good. If you say 'taichō ga ryōkō,' you are giving a report on your physical status, perhaps to a superior or a doctor. Another similar word is 好調 (kōchō). 好調 specifically refers to things going well or being in 'top form.' You use 好調 for an athlete who is scoring many goals or a business whose sales are rising rapidly. 良好 is more about stability and being 'satisfactory' rather than having high momentum. For example, a business might have 'ryōkō' finances (stable and healthy) but not necessarily be 'kōchō' (booming right now).

良好 (Ryōkō) vs. 健全 (Kenzen): 良好 is about a favorable state; 健全 is about being 'sound,' 'wholesome,' or 'healthy' in a structural or moral sense (e.g., 健全な精神 - a sound mind).

良好 (Ryōkō) vs. 適当 (Tekitō): 適当 means 'appropriate' or 'suitable' for a purpose. 良好 is a qualitative judgment that the state itself is good, regardless of its specific suitability for a task.

良好 (Ryōkō) vs. 優秀 (Yūshū): 優秀 means 'excellent' or 'superior,' usually describing a person's ability or a product's high performance. 良好 is 'satisfactory and good,' not necessarily 'superior.'

会社は現在、非常に好調な売上を記録しています。(The company is currently recording very favorable/booming sales.)

Another word often confused with 良好 is 順調 (junchō). 順調 means 'smooth' or 'on track.' You use it when a process is going exactly as planned without any hitches. For example, 'shigoto wa junchō desu' (work is going smoothly). 良好 can also describe progress, but it focuses more on the 'quality' of the state at that moment. If a project is 'junchō,' it means it's on schedule. If it's 'ryōkō,' it means the results are good. In many cases, these words are interchangeable, but 'junchō' is more common for timelines and processes. Finally, consider the word 望ましい (nozomashii), which means 'desirable.' While 良好 states that a condition 'is' good, 望ましい states that a condition 'should be' or 'is hoped to be' good. In professional documents, you might see 'ryōkō na kekka ga nozomashii' (a favorable result is desirable). Understanding these subtle differences will help you choose the exact word to convey your meaning with precision and sophistication.

工事は順調に進んでいます。(The construction is progressing smoothly.)

彼は優秀なエンジニアとして知られている。(He is known as an excellent engineer.)

子供たちには健全な教育が必要です。(Children need a sound/wholesome education.)

改善策を講じることが望ましい。(It is desirable to take improvement measures.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 良 (ryō) originally depicted a grain-filtering tool, signifying 'refined' or 'pure.' The character 好 (kō) combines 'woman' and 'child,' representing the most basic and favorable form of love and goodness.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɪəʊkɔː/

US /rjoʊkoʊ/

The stress is flat (Heiban style), meaning the pitch starts low and rises, staying high through the rest of the word.

Rhymes With

Kōkō (High school) Hōkō (Direction) Kyōkō (Forceful) Sōkō (Armor) Dōkō (Pupil/Trend) Chōkō (Sign) Yōkō (Sunlight) Kōkō (Filial piety)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ry' as two separate syllables 'ri-yo'. It should be one fluid sound.
Shortening the long vowels 'ō'. It is ryō-kō, not ryo-ko.
Using an English 'r' sound. The Japanese 'r' is a tap, like the 'tt' in 'better'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'ryokō' (travel), which has a different pitch pattern.
Failing to pronounce the 'k' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require intermediate knowledge.

Writing 3/5

Writing 良 and 好 is relatively easy for B1 students.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires care with the long vowels.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'ryokō' (travel).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

良い (Good) 状態 (Condition) 関係 (Relationship) 健康 (Health) 非常に (Very)

Learn Next

順調 (Smoothly) 好調 (Top form) 劣悪 (Vile/Poor) 改善 (Improvement) 維持 (Maintenance)

Advanced

健全 (Sound/Wholesome) 適切 (Appropriate) 妥当 (Proper) 最適 (Optimal) 優秀 (Excellent)

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjective Modification

良好な関係 (Ryōkō na kankei)

Adverbial 'ni'

良好に進む (Ryōkō ni susumu)

Copula 'desu/da'

状態は良好だ (Jōtai wa ryōkō da)

Intensifiers

極めて良好 (Kiwamete ryōkō - Extremely good)

Negation

良好ではない (Ryōkō dewa nai - Not good)

Examples by Level

体調は良好です。

My physical condition is good.

良好 (ryōkō) describes the state of health formally.

視界は良好だ。

Visibility is good.

視界 (shikai) means visibility.

状態は良好です。

The condition is good.

状態 (jōtai) means condition.

良好な関係です。

It is a good relationship.

良好な (ryōkō na) modifies the noun 'kankei'.

結果は良好でした。

The results were good.

Past tense of 'desu' is 'deshita'.

天気は良好です。

The weather is favorable.

Formal way to describe weather status.

進捗は良好だ。

Progress is good.

進捗 (shinchoku) means progress.

良好な環境ですね。

It's a good environment, isn't it?

環境 (kankyō) means environment.

中古ですが、状態は良好です。

It is second-hand, but the condition is good.

中古 (chūko) means second-hand.

彼は近所の人と良好な関係を築いている。

He has built a good relationship with his neighbors.

築く (kizuku) means to build (a relationship).

この部屋は日当たりが良好です。

This room has good sunlight.

日当たり (hiatari) refers to exposure to sunlight.

手術後の経過は良好です。

The progress after the surgery is favorable.

経過 (keika) means progress or course of time.

良好な治安が保たれています。

Good public safety is being maintained.

治安 (chian) means public order/safety.

テストの結果、健康状態は良好と診断された。

As a result of the test, my health was diagnosed as good.

診断される (shindan sareru) is the passive form of 'diagnose'.

二人の仲は非常に良好だ。

The relationship between the two is very good.

仲 (naka) refers to a personal relationship.

通信状態は良好です。

The communication status is good.

通信 (tsūshin) means communication/signal.

良好な人間関係を維持することは大切だ。

It is important to maintain good interpersonal relationships.

人間関係 (ningen kankei) means human/interpersonal relations.

景気は良好な状態が続いている。

The economy continues to be in a favorable state.

景気 (keiki) refers to the economic climate.

良好な住環境を求めて引っ越した。

I moved in search of a favorable living environment.

住環境 (jū-kankyō) means living environment.

その機械は現在、良好に作動している。

That machine is currently operating well.

良好に (ryōkō ni) is the adverbial form.

視界良好のため、飛行機は予定通り出発した。

Due to good visibility, the plane departed as scheduled.

〜のため indicates a reason.

良好な協力体制が整った。

A good cooperation system has been established.

体制 (taisei) means system or setup.

彼の成績は非常に良好だ。

His grades are extremely good.

成績 (seiseki) means grades or results.

良好な風通しの良い家を建てたい。

I want to build a house with good ventilation.

風通し (kazetōshi) means ventilation.

両国は良好な外交関係を保っている。

The two countries maintain good diplomatic relations.

外交関係 (gaikō kankei) means diplomatic relations.

良好な労働条件を提示することが優秀な人材の確保に繋がる。

Presenting favorable working conditions leads to securing excellent talent.

労働条件 (rōdō jōken) means working conditions.

市場の反応は概ね良好だ。

The market reaction is generally favorable.

概ね (ōmune) means generally or mostly.

良好な収益を上げることができた。

We were able to achieve favorable profits.

収益 (shūeki) means earnings or profits.

実験の結果、良好なデータが得られた。

As a result of the experiment, favorable data was obtained.

データが得られた (dēta ga erareta) means data was obtained.

良好なパートナーシップを築くために話し合いが必要だ。

Discussion is necessary to build a favorable partnership.

話し合い (hanashiai) means discussion.

都市開発により、良好な景観が守られている。

Due to urban development, a favorable landscape is being protected.

景観 (keikan) means landscape or scenery.

良好な栄養状態を保つことが健康の基本だ。

Maintaining a good nutritional state is the basis of health.

栄養状態 (eiyō jōtai) means nutritional state.

良好な職場環境は従業員の生産性を向上させる。

A favorable workplace environment improves employee productivity.

生産性 (seisansei) means productivity.

良好な財政基盤を確立することが急務である。

Establishing a favorable financial foundation is an urgent task.

財政基盤 (zaisei kiban) means financial foundation.

良好な社会秩序を維持するためには、法整備が欠かせない。

To maintain a favorable social order, legal development is indispensable.

社会秩序 (shakai chitsujo) means social order.

この投資信託は長期的に良好なパフォーマンスを示している。

This investment trust has shown good performance in the long term.

パフォーマンス (pafōmansu) refers to investment returns.

良好なコミュニケーションが、チームの成功の鍵となる。

Good communication becomes the key to a team's success.

〜の鍵となる (no kagi to naru) means to be the key to something.

水質検査の結果は、基準値を下回り良好であった。

The water quality test results were below the standard value and were favorable.

基準値 (kijunchi) means standard/threshold value.

良好な親子関係が子供の情緒的発達を促す。

A favorable parent-child relationship promotes the child's emotional development.

情緒的発達 (jōchō-teki hattatsu) means emotional development.

企業は株主との良好な対話を重視している。

Companies emphasize favorable dialogue with shareholders.

対話 (taiwa) means dialogue.

良好な国際秩序の構築に向けた多国間協議が行われた。

Multilateral talks were held toward the construction of a favorable international order.

多国間協議 (takokukan kyōgi) means multilateral consultations.

良好な生態系の保持は、生物多様性の保護に直結する。

Maintaining a favorable ecosystem is directly linked to the protection of biodiversity.

直結する (chokketsu suru) means to be directly linked.

良好なコーポレート・ガバナンスが企業の持続的な成長を支える。

Favorable corporate governance supports the sustainable growth of a company.

持続的 (jizoku-teki) means sustainable.

良好な景観形成を目的とした景観法が制定された。

The Landscape Act was enacted for the purpose of forming a favorable landscape.

制定される (seitei sareru) means to be enacted/established.

良好な市場環境の整備が、新規参入を促進する。

The preparation of a favorable market environment promotes new entry.

新規参入 (shinki sannyū) means new market entry.

良好な教育環境の提供は、国家の未来に対する投資である。

Providing a favorable educational environment is an investment in the nation's future.

投資 (tōshi) means investment.

良好な信頼関係の構築には、透明性の確保が不可欠だ。

Ensuring transparency is indispensable for building a favorable relationship of trust.

不可欠 (fukaketsu) means indispensable.

良好な居住性能を誇るこのマンションは、高い評価を得ている。

This apartment, which boasts favorable residential performance, has received high praise.

居住性能 (kyojū seinō) means residential performance/quality.

Common Collocations

健康状態が良好

良好な関係

視界良好

日当たり良好

進捗良好

保存状態が良好

経過良好

住環境が良好

通信状態が良好

良好な結果

Common Phrases

視界良好 (Shikai ryōkō)

— Visibility is good. Used by pilots, drivers, and metaphorically for plans.

新事業の滑り出しは視界良好だ。

日当たり良好 (Hiatari ryōkō)

— Good sunlight. A standard term in Japanese real estate listings.

このマンションは日当たり良好です。

経過良好 (Keika ryōkō)

— Favorable progress. Usually used by doctors regarding recovery.

退院後の経過は良好です。

保存状態良好 (Hozon jōtai ryōkō)

— In good preserved condition. Used for antiques or used goods.

保存状態良好なビンテージカー。

良好な人間関係 (Ryōkō na ningen kankei)

— Good human relationships. A common goal in workplaces.

良好な人間関係が仕事を支える。

良好な住環境 (Ryōkō na jū-kankyō)

— Favorable living environment. Refers to quiet, safe, and clean areas.

子供のために良好な住環境を選ぶ。

良好な協力体制 (Ryōkō na kyōryoku taisei)

— Good cooperative system. Used in business or politics.

良好な協力体制を構築する。

良好な治安 (Ryōkō na chian)

— Good public safety. Used to describe safe cities or regions.

この国は良好な治安で知られている。

成績良好 (Seiseki ryōkō)

— Good grades/results. Used in academic or performance reviews.

彼は成績良好で卒業した。

水質良好 (Suishitsu ryōkō)

— Good water quality. Used for beaches, pools, or tap water.

この川は水質良好だ。

Often Confused With

良好 vs 旅行 (Ryokō)

Means 'travel.' The vowels are short. Ryōkō (good) has long vowels.

良好 vs 両校 (Ryōkō)

Means 'both schools.' Identical pronunciation, context is key.

良好 vs 領主 (Ryōshu)

Means 'feudal lord.' Sounds slightly similar to beginners.

Idioms & Expressions

"視界良好 (Shikai ryōkō)"

— Literally 'good visibility,' but also used to mean 'the future looks bright' or 'plans are proceeding without obstacles.'

プロジェクトの滑り出しは視界良好だ。

Neutral/Business

"良好な関係を築く (Ryōkō na kankei o kizuku)"

— To build a good relationship. A set phrase for establishing professional or social bonds.

新しい取引先と良好な関係を築く。

Formal

"良好な状態を保つ (Ryōkō na jōtai o tamotsu)"

— To maintain a good condition. Often used for health, machinery, or buildings.

車を良好な状態に保つ。

Neutral

"良好な進捗を見せる (Ryōkō na shinchoku o miseru)"

— To show favorable progress. Common in project reporting.

開発は良好な進捗を見せている。

Business

"良好な結果をもたらす (Ryōkō na kekka o motarasu)"

— To bring about a good result. Used in formal contexts.

この政策は良好な結果をもたらした。

Formal

"良好な評判を得る (Ryōkō na hyōban o eru)"

— To gain a good reputation. Used for companies or individuals.

その製品は市場で良好な評判を得た。

Formal

"良好な雰囲気を醸成する (Ryōkō na fun'iki o jōsei suru)"

— To foster a good atmosphere. Often used in management contexts.

職場に良好な雰囲気を醸成する。

Formal

"良好な労働環境を整える (Ryōkō na rōdō kankyō o totonoeru)"

— To prepare a good working environment. A common HR phrase.

良好な労働環境を整えることが重要だ。

Business

"良好なバランスを保つ (Ryōkō na baransu o tamotsu)"

— To maintain a good balance. Used for health, diet, or work-life balance.

仕事と私生活の良好なバランスを保つ。

Neutral

"良好な滑り出し (Ryōkō na suberidashi)"

— A good start. Used for the beginning of a project or season.

新チームは良好な滑り出しを見せた。

Neutral

Easily Confused

良好 vs 好調 (Kōchō)

Both mean things are going well.

Kōchō is about 'momentum' or 'top form' (e.g., a winning streak). Ryōkō is about a 'satisfactory state' or 'quality.'

彼は今、絶好調だ。 (He is in top form right now.)

良好 vs 順調 (Junchō)

Both describe positive progress.

Junchō means 'on schedule' or 'without hitches.' Ryōkō means the 'quality' of the progress is good.

工事は順調だ。 (The construction is on schedule.)

良好 vs 健全 (Kenzen)

Both can mean 'healthy.'

Kenzen is about being 'sound' or 'wholesome' (mentally or structurally). Ryōkō is a general status report.

健全な精神。 (A sound mind.)

良好 vs 優秀 (Yūshū)

Both mean 'good.'

Yūshū means 'superior' or 'excellent' in ability. Ryōkō means 'satisfactory' or 'favorable.'

彼は優秀な生徒だ。 (He is an excellent student.)

良好 vs 適切 (Tekisetsu)

Both are positive evaluations.

Tekisetsu means 'appropriate' or 'proper' for a specific purpose. Ryōkō is about the state itself.

適切なアドバイス。 (Appropriate advice.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] wa ryōkō desu.

体調は良好です。

Ryōkō na [Noun] o [Verb].

良好な関係を築く。

[Noun] no jōtai wa ryōkō da.

保存の状態は良好だ。

Hijō ni ryōkō na [Noun].

非常に良好な結果。

Ryōkō ni [Verb] shite iru.

良好に機能している。

Gaimune ryōkō to ieru.

概ね良好と言える。

Ryōkō to wa iigatai.

良好とは言い難い。

Ryōkō na [Abstract Noun] no kōtsu.

良好な社会秩序の構築。

Word Family

Nouns

良 (Quality/Goodness)

好 (Liking/Favor)

良質 (Good quality)

良心 (Conscience)

Verbs

好む (To like/prefer)

良くなる (To get better)

Adjectives

良い (Good)

仲良し (Close/Friendly)

心地よい (Pleasant)

不良 (Bad/Defective)

最良 (Best)

改良 (Improvement)

好転 (Turning for the better)

好評 (Popularity/Good reputation)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing, news, and technical reports; rare in casual daily chat.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ryōkō' to describe a person's character. → Use 'ii hito' or 'seikaku ga ii'.
良好 describes the state of things, not the moral quality of people.
Saying 'ryōkō kankei' without the 'na'. → 良好な関係 (Ryōkō na kankei).
良好 is a na-adjective and requires 'na' to modify nouns.
Using 'ryōkō' for the taste of food. → おいしい (Oishii).
良好 is too technical for sensory pleasures like taste.
Confusing 'ryōkō' with 'ryokō' (travel). → Pay attention to vowel length.
良好 (ryōkō) has two long 'o' sounds; 旅行 (ryokō) has one short and one long.
Using 'ryōkō' in casual chat with friends. → Use 'ii' or 'yokatta'.
良好 sounds overly formal and stiff in casual daily conversation.

Tips

Use for Status

Always use 良好 when you are giving an objective status report, like health or machine condition.

Don't forget 'Na'

Remember that 良好 is a na-adjective. Always use 'na' before a noun, like 'ryōkō na kankei'.

Business Professional

In business, use 良好 instead of 'ii' to describe relationships with clients to sound more professional.

Apartment Hunting

Look for '日当たり良好' (hiatari ryōkō) in ads to find a bright, sunlit room.

Health Reports

If a doctor says 'ryōkō,' it means your results are within the normal, healthy range.

Formal Essays

When writing formal essays, 良好 is a much better choice than 'ii' for evaluating conditions.

Vowel Length

Be careful to hear the long 'ō' in 'ryō' to distinguish it from 'ryokō' (travel).

Pair with 'Jōtai'

The most common pairing is 'jōtai' (condition). 'Jōtai wa ryōkō desu' is a very useful set phrase.

Avoid for Food

Never use 良好 for the taste of food; it makes you sound like a food inspector, not a diner.

Objective vs Subjective

Think of 良好 as 'satisfactory according to a standard' rather than 'good according to my feelings'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ryō' as 'Real' and 'Kō' as 'Cool.' If something is 'Ryōkō,' it is 'Really Cool' (good) and in a stable state.

Visual Association

Imagine a doctor looking at a chart and giving a 'thumbs up'—that is the essence of a 'ryōkō' status.

Word Web

Health Weather Business Relationship Status Formal Objective Satisfactory

Challenge

Try to use 'ryōkō' in your next Japanese journal entry to describe your health or your progress in learning Japanese.

Word Origin

The word 良好 (ryōkō) originates from Classical Chinese. It is a compound of two characters that have been used for centuries to denote quality and favorability.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Chinese was 'good and beautiful' or 'virtuous and favorable.'

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Never use 良好 to describe a person's character directly, as it can sound like you are treating them as an object or a patient.

In English, we often say 'good' for both 'ryōkō' and 'ii.' Understanding the split between subjective and objective 'good' is key for English speakers.

Commonly seen in medical dramas like 'Doctor-X' when discussing patient status. Used in news broadcasts regarding the 'Nikkei' stock average. Appears in Ghibli films when characters discuss the 'status' of flying machines.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Checkup

健康状態は良好です
経過は良好ですね
検査結果は良好だ
栄養状態が良好

Real Estate

日当たり良好な物件
住環境が良好
保存状態が良好
風通し良好

Business/Politics

良好な協力関係
進捗は良好です
良好な取引関係
景気は良好だ

Technology

通信状態は良好
作動状態が良好
ネットワークは良好
良好なパフォーマンス

Driving/Aviation

視界は良好です
路面状態が良好
気象条件は良好
エンジン状態良好

Conversation Starters

"最近、健康状態は良好ですか？ (How has your health been lately?)"

"新しい職場での人間関係は良好ですか？ (Are the relationships at your new workplace good?)"

"このアパート、日当たりが良好でいいですね。 (This apartment has great sunlight, doesn't it?)"

"プロジェクトの進捗は良好だそうですね。 (I heard the project progress is favorable.)"

"旅行中の天気は良好でしたか？ (Was the weather good during your trip?)"

Journal Prompts

今日の自分の健康状態が良好かどうか、詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about whether your health is good today.)

良好な人間関係を築くために、あなたが大切にしていることは何ですか？ (What do you value in order to build good human relationships?)

最近、良好な結果が得られた出来事について書いてください。 (Write about an event where you recently obtained a favorable result.)

あなたが住んでいる地域の住環境は良好ですか？その理由も教えてください。 (Is the living environment in your area good? Please tell me why.)

将来、どのような良好な変化を自分の人生に期待していますか？ (What kind of favorable changes do you expect in your life in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 良好 is too formal and technical for food. To say food is good, use 'oishii' (delicious) or 'umai.' Saying food is 'ryōkō' would sound like you are inspecting it for safety standards rather than enjoying the taste.

It is a na-adjective. This means you must say 'ryōkō na' when it comes before a noun, such as 'ryōkō na kankei' (a good relationship).

'ii' is casual and subjective (based on your feelings), while 'ryōkō' is formal and objective (based on facts or standards). Use 'ii' with friends and 'ryōkō' in reports.

Use 'junchō' when you want to emphasize that a process is going 'smoothly' or 'according to plan.' Use 'ryōkō' to emphasize that the 'state' or 'quality' of something is good.

You should not use it to describe a person's personality. 'Kare wa ryōkō na hito desu' is incorrect. Use 'ii hito' instead. However, you can use it to describe a person's 'health' (kenkō jōtai).

In formal contexts, you can say 'ryōkō dewa arimasen.' However, it is often more natural to use the antonym 'furyō' (bad/defective) or 'yoku nai' (not good).

While it literally means 'good visibility' for weather, it is often used as an idiom in business to mean 'the future outlook is clear and positive.'

In Japan, many apartments are small and close together, so natural light is a premium feature. 'Hiatari ryōkō' (good sunlight) is a major selling point for real estate.

Yes, it is very appropriate for business emails when you are reporting the status of a project, a relationship with a client, or your own health.

Yes. 良好 (ryōkō) has two long vowels 'ō-ō'. 旅行 (ryokō) has a short 'o' and then a long 'ō'. Paying attention to the length of the first vowel is crucial.