あっぱれ

na-adjective, interjection

splendid; bravo; well done; admirable

1. splendid; bravo; well done; admirable

An exclamation of hearty praise for something impressively done, carrying a traditional and somewhat dramatic tone of admiration.

あっぱれな活躍(かつやく)だった。

It was a splendid performance.

最後(さいご)まで諦(あきら)めなかった姿(すがた)はあっぱれだ。

The way they didn't give up until the end is admirable.

相手(あいて)チームの見事(みごと)な逆転勝(ぎゃくてんが)ちには、敵(てき)ながらもあっぱれと言(い)うほかない。

The opposing team's brilliant comeback victory was so admirable that even as rivals, all you can say is 'bravo.'

An exclamation of admiration for something splendid, brave, or impressive. Originally from the classical Japanese 天晴(あっぱれ), it carries a somewhat old-fashioned or dramatic tone.

Usage

Can be used as an interjection ("Bravo!") or as an adjective (あっぱれな)
Has a traditional, somewhat masculine feel
Often used in sports commentary, historical dramas, and when praising bold actions
Can be used with a touch of humor or irony

Common collocations

あっぱれな活躍(かつやく): a splendid performance
あっぱれな態度(たいど): an admirable attitude
天晴(あっぱれ)!: Bravo! Splendid! (kanji form)
あっぱれと言(い)うほかない: one can only say "bravo"

Etymology

Derived from 天晴(あっぱれ), literally "heavenly clearing," referring to a clear, bright sky. The metaphor extends to something so impressive it is like a clear sky — brilliant and undeniable.

Similar words

見事(みごと): splendid, magnificent — more neutral and modern
お見事(みごと): well done! — polite exclamation
素晴(すば)らしい: wonderful, excellent — the standard modern equivalent
立派(りっぱ): admirable, fine — focuses on respectability and worthiness

Related Words

Compare: 見事(みごと) (splendid, magnificent)

Compare: 素晴(すば)らしい (wonderful, excellent)

Compare: 立派(りっぱ) (admirable, fine)

general

Added 2026.4.2 21:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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