見事

• Reading: みごと
• Romaji: migoto
• Kanji breakdown: 見 (see) + 事 (thing, matter) — literally 'a thing worth seeing'
• Pronunciation: /mi.ɡo.to/

Meaning

Splendid, beautifully done, magnificent. Praises something executed with impressive skill or striking beauty.

見事 carries a nuance of admiration for skillful execution or visual impact. It is used when something is done so well that it is worth seeing — a beautiful goal, a perfectly timed joke, a stunning piece of art. While it can sound slightly formal, it is widely used in casual speech too, especially in sports commentary and reactions to impressive feats. It implies the result was achieved with effort and skill.

Examples

1. 見事なゴールだったな、あのシュート。 That goal was a splendid shot.
2. 見事に騙された、完全に信じてたわ。 I got completely fooled — beautifully done, I totally believed it.
3. この庭園、見事な手入れだね。 This garden is magnificently maintained.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, art appreciation, reactions to skillful actions, commentary

Tone: admiring, respectful, impressed

Do Say

• 見事な逆転勝ちだった。 (That was a splendid come-from-behind victory.)
• 見事にやってくれたね。 (You pulled it off beautifully.)

Don't Say

• 見事に失敗した — 皮肉として使えるが学習者は混乱する可能性がある (見事に失敗した means 'spectacularly failed' — this sarcastic use is valid but can confuse learners)

Common Mistakes

• Reading 見事 as けんじ (kenji) using on'yomi — the correct reading is みごと (migoto), using kun'yomi for both characters
• Assuming 見事 is always positive — 見事に失敗した (spectacularly failed) uses it sarcastically

Origin & History

Compound of 見 (mi, to see) + 事 (goto, thing/matter). Literally 'a thing worth seeing,' evolving to mean something so impressive it demands attention.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used nationwide. Common in sports broadcasting, martial arts, and traditional arts appreciation.