あっぱれ
あっぱれ
adjective
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.
あっぱれな活躍だった。
It was a splendid performance.
最後まで諦めなかった姿はあっぱれだ。
The way they didn't give up until the end is admirable.
相手チームの見事な逆転勝ちには、敵ながらもあっぱれと言うほかない。
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, 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: a splendid performance
- あっぱれな態度: an admirable attitude
- 天晴!: Bravo! Splendid! (kanji form)
- あっぱれと言うほかない: one can only say "bravo"
ETYMOLOGY:
Derived from 天晴, 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: splendid, magnificent — more neutral and modern
- お見事: well done! — polite exclamation
- 素晴らしい: wonderful, excellent — the standard modern equivalent
- 立派: admirable, fine — focuses on respectability and worthiness