I still remember my first Spanish class. After struggling to pronounce “gracias” correctly, my teacher smiled and said, “¡Buen trabajo!” — Good job!
It was only two words, but it lit up my day. That phrase carried more than praise — it carried warmth, encouragement, and belief.
Across every language and culture, saying “good job” connects people. Whether it’s a coach cheering a player, a parent applauding a child, or a stranger complimenting your effort — encouragement is a global heartbeat of humanity.
Let’s explore how to say good job in Spanish and see how cultures around the world express recognition, pride, and joy.
🗺️ Table: How to Say “Good Job” Around the World
| Language | Word/Phrase | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | ¡Buen trabajo! / ¡Bien hecho! | Used widely in Spain and Latin America; shows sincere appreciation. |
| English | Good job / Well done | Universal in workplaces, schools, and families. |
| French | Bon travail / Bien fait | Reflects France’s appreciation for effort and craftsmanship. |
| Italian | Bel lavoro / Ben fatto | Used with expressive tone, often paired with gestures of approval. |
| German | Gute Arbeit / Gut gemacht | Direct and efficient, reflecting precision and diligence. |
| Portuguese | Bom trabalho / Muito bem | Encouraging and warm; used both formally and casually. |
| Turkish | Aferin / Tebrikler | “Aferin” for praise; “Tebrikler” for congratulations. |
| Hindi (India) | Shabash (शाबाश) | Spoken with affection, especially toward children or learners. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | 做得好 (Zuò dé hǎo) | Means “You did it well”; often said with genuine pride. |
| Japanese | よくやった (Yoku yatta) | Common in schools and workplaces, showing deep respect. |
| Swahili | Kazi nzuri | Literally “good work”; appreciation tied to teamwork. |
| Zulu | Umsebenzi omuhle | Used with a smile; reflects community pride. |
| Arabic | عمل جيد (ʿamal jayyid) | A formal way to express praise and approval. |
| Maori | Mahi pai | Literally “good work”; part of New Zealand’s positive culture. |
| Hawaiian | Hana maika‘i | Means “good work,” infused with aloha spirit. |
🇪🇸 How to Say Good Job in Spanish
The Spanish phrase for “good job” is ¡Buen trabajo! (pronounced bwen trah-BAH-ho).
Another common variation is ¡Bien hecho!, which literally means well done!
🪶 Cultural Insight:
In Spain, Mexico, and across Latin America, praise is often delivered with warmth and energy.
People may accompany it with applause, a pat on the back, or even a joyful “¡Eso!” (That’s it!).
Learning how to say good job in Spanish allows you to express encouragement naturally — whether you’re congratulating a friend, a student, or a colleague.
🇪🇺 How to Say Good Job in European Languages
Europeans take pride in both effort and excellence — and their languages reflect that balance of sincerity and formality.
- French — Bon travail / Bien fait: Respectful and polished; common in education and art.
- Italian — Ben fatto: Often paired with gestures, showing enthusiasm and pride.
- German — Gut gemacht: Straightforward and strong; Germans value achievement and precision.
- Portuguese — Bom trabalho: Warm and affirming, often said in professional settings.
- Dutch — Goed gedaan: Cheerful and encouraging; used in both work and family.
Across Europe, praise often connects to quality, discipline, and passion — values deeply rooted in its cultures.
🌏 How to Say Good Job in Asian Languages
Asia’s expressions of praise often blend respect, humility, and collective pride.
- Japanese — Yoku yatta: Spoken softly yet meaningfully; praise is modest but heartfelt.
- Chinese — Zuò dé hǎo: Recognition that emphasizes effort and improvement.
- Hindi — Shabash: A word of affection and motivation used across generations.
- Korean — Jalhaesseoyo (잘했어요): “You did well!” — often followed by a proud smile.
- Arabic — Amal jayyid: Encouragement delivered with dignity and warmth.
- Turkish — Aferin: A joyful exclamation often said to children or students.
- Tagalog (Philippines) — Magaling ka: Means “you’re good,” celebrating personal achievement.
- Thai — Tham dai di (ทำได้ดี): Means “You did it well”; tone matters as much as words.
- Vietnamese — Làm tốt lắm: “Well done!” — commonly used to boost morale.
Asian praise tends to value respect, perseverance, and collective growth, not just individual success.
🌍 How to Say Good Job in African Languages
African expressions of praise are full of energy, gratitude, and community spirit.
- Swahili — Kazi nzuri: Means “good work,” often paired with a handshake or laughter.
- Zulu — Umsebenzi omuhle: A deep compliment recognizing effort and dedication.
- Yoruba — Ise rere: Means “good job” but also implies moral goodness.
- Amharic — Metsahft betam tiru new: “That work is very good”; spoken proudly.
- Akan — Adwuma pa: Praise tied to responsibility and contribution.
- Somali — Shaqo fiican: Used casually to show approval.
- Hausa — Aikin kirki: Signifies “worthy work”; reflects integrity.
- Lingala — Mosala malamu: Expresses gratitude and pride for good effort.
- Berber — Aghilid ameqqran: A term of high respect.
- Shona — Basa rakanaka: Literally “beautiful work.”
Across Africa, compliments aren’t just about success — they reinforce belonging and mutual respect.
🌺 How to Say Good Job in Indigenous & Island Languages
Island and Indigenous cultures often connect praise with emotion, spirituality, and gratitude.
- Hawaiian — Hana maika‘i: “Good work”; combines joy with appreciation.
- Maori — Mahi pai: “Good work”; used daily with genuine warmth.
- Samoan — Galuega lelei: Recognition of effort and respect.
- Cherokee — Ulihelisdi dagowehisdv: Meaning “You did something good.”
- Tahitian — Rave maitai: “Well done” — often used in teaching and community.
- Fijian — Cakacaka vinaka: “Excellent work”; encouragement is communal.
- Inuit — Ajunngittuq: “Good job” in the sense of emotional or practical success.
- Haitian Creole — Bon travay: Warm, enthusiastic praise, often accompanied by smiles.
- Tagalog — Magaling ka: Celebration of skill and heart.
- Guaraní — Mba’e porã: “Well done,” linked to harmony and kindness.
Praise in these cultures is a celebration of effort, spirit, and togetherness.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Power of Positive Words
Every culture recognizes that words shape emotions and motivation.
In Spanish, saying ¡Buen trabajo! reinforces effort and community.
In Japan, Yoku yatta honors humility and discipline.
In Africa, Kazi nzuri celebrates teamwork and harmony.
Throughout history, societies have used praise to inspire growth, unity, and resilience — from classrooms to workplaces, from ancient villages to modern cities.
🌸 Proverbs About Praise Around the World
- Spanish: “Las palabras amables son cortas de decir, pero largas de oír.” — Kind words are short to say, but long remembered.
- Chinese: “One kind word can warm three winter months.”
- Swahili: “Maneno matamu ni dawa.” — Sweet words are medicine.
- Turkish: “Aferin sözü gönül alır.” — A word of praise wins hearts.
- English: “Praise in public, correct in private.”
Across languages, praise is seen as both art and power — a way to build confidence and connection.
❓ FAQs
Q1: How do you say good job in Spanish?
The most common phrases are ¡Buen trabajo! and ¡Bien hecho! — both mean “good job” or “well done.”
Q2: How do you pronounce “buen trabajo”?
Pronounced bwen trah-BAH-ho — with a soft “r” and emphasis on the second word.
Q3: What’s the difference between “buen trabajo” and “bien hecho”?
“Buen trabajo” focuses on effort (good work done), while “bien hecho” emphasizes completion (well done).
Q4: How do Spanish speakers show appreciation?
With tone, gestures, and sincerity — a smile or “¡Muy bien!” (very good) often accompanies praise.
Q5: Are there informal ways to say good job in Spanish?
Yes! You can say “¡Eso es!”, “¡Lo hiciste genial!”, or “¡Excelente!” among friends or coworkers.
❤️ Conclusion: A Global Celebration of Effort
Whether it’s ¡Buen trabajo!, Good job, Yoku yatta, or Kazi nzuri, the meaning is the same — you matter, your effort counts.
Saying good job is a universal gesture of love and recognition — one that bridges languages, builds confidence, and strengthens hearts.
So next time someone tries, learns, or creates — tell them:
“¡Bien hecho!” — You’ve done a great job!
💬 Your Turn:
How do you say “good job” in your language? Share your phrase in the comments — let’s build a global wall of encouragement together. 🌍
