Structure
Verb[て]+ よかった
Verb[なくて](*) + よかった
Verb[ないで](**) + よかった
(*) Mostly found in literary/written language
(**) Mostly found in spoken language
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Standard
使用域
一般
About てよかった
When て (or で when following ない) is paired with the past form of the い-Adjective, いい; てよかった, なくてよかった, or ないでよかった will have the meaning of 'I'm glad that (A)' (when positive), or 'I'm glad that I didn't (A)' (when negative).
- やっぱり今日来てよかったね。Actually, I'm glad that we came today, don't you think?
- あの携帯を買わなくて良かった。I'm glad that I didn't buy that cellphone.
- あの時にお前と別れないで良かった。I'm glad that we didn't break up that one time.
- 先輩、今日の会議で余計なことを言わなくて良かったですね。Senpai, aren't you glad that you didn't say anything more at the meeting today? (A bit more formal, focuses on expressing reasons or results)
- 行った人皆が風邪引いたの?昨日のパーティーへ行かないでよかった!Everyone that went caught a cold? I'm glad that I didn't go to last night's party! (A bit more casual, focus more on 'not doing' something)
Synonyms
Examples
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勉強をしてよかったです。
I am glad that I studied.
今日はデザートを食べなくてよかったです。
I am glad that I didn't eat dessert today.
このバスに間に合ってよかったです。
I am glad that I made it in time for this bus.
今日運動してよかった。
I'm glad that I did exercise today.
要らないと思っていたけど、持ってきてよかった。
I didn't think that I needed it, but I'm glad that I brought it.
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How to express your feelings with よかった
MaggieSensei
It’s Good That…~てよかった
NihonOnTheGo
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Genki II 1st Edition
Page 141
Genki II 2nd Edition
Page 171
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てよかった – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (15 in total)
RadicalC
How about with Nouns and adverbs?
Im glad its not/wasn’t noun/adjective.
thank youFuga
Hey there @RadicalC !
With nouns and な-adjectives, you would use じゃない・ではない before this grammar point.
For example if you wanted to say, ‘I’m glad this job is not dangerous’, you would say, この仕事は危険じゃなくてよかった, in Japanese.
I hope this helps!
RadicalC
Yea that’s what I surmised but on the page it doesn’t necessary mention Noun/adjective use so this is why I wondered.
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