1.
good guy; hero; the good party
A virtuous character or person, contrasted with a villain. Often used of clear-cut heroes in stories or of the 'good side' in a dispute.
この映画は善玉が勝つ。
In this movie the good guy wins.
昔の物語は善玉と悪玉がはっきりしている。
Old tales have a clear good guy and bad guy.
誰を善玉とするかで、物語の印象が大きく変わる。
Who you make the good guy greatly changes the impression of the story.
2.
good bacteria; beneficial microbe
In health and nutrition, bacteria that benefit the body, especially in the gut. Usually said as 善玉菌.
善玉菌を増やす。
Increase the good bacteria.
ヨーグルトには善玉菌が含まれている。
Yogurt contains good bacteria.
腸内の善玉菌を増やすには、食物繊維をとるとよい。
To increase good bacteria in the gut, it helps to consume dietary fiber.
Compound of 善 (good) + 玉 (ball; figuratively a person or thing). The contrasting word is 悪玉.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 善玉と悪玉: the good guy and the bad guy
- 善玉菌: good (beneficial) bacteria
- 善玉コレステロール: HDL ('good') cholesterol
USAGE:
- Sense 1 is somewhat old-fashioned and storybook in flavor.
- Sense 2 (善玉菌, 善玉コレステロール) is very common in everyday health talk.