「筋がいいね！」- When the Japanese praise you for "having good potential"

Have you ever tried a new skill, maybe a sport, a musical instrument, or a task at work? And after just a short time, your instructor (senpai, boss, coach...) looks at you with surprise and exclaims: 「君、筋がいいね！」(Kimi, suji ga ii ne!)

If you receive this compliment, be happy, because this isn't just a simple praise for being "good." It carries a much deeper meaning!

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🏋️‍♂️ What is "Suji" and why is it "ii" (good)?

The word 筋 (suji) has several meanings, but its original meaning is muscle, sinew. By extension, it also means aptitude, talent, or logical sense.

When the Japanese say someone has 筋がいい, they are metaphorically saying that person has a great "framework" or a natural "foundation" for what they are doing. It's like an athlete having a naturally good physique!

In short, 筋がいい is a compliment for someone who has natural talent, aptitude, and great potential for growth.

🤔 How is it different from「上手」and「いい線いってる」?

This is the key to using this word as 'fluently' as a native Japanese speaker:

• 上手 (jouzu) - Skilled/Good: This word is used to evaluate your current result and skill level. You have to practice a lot to become 上手.

  • Example: After practicing piano for 5 years and playing a difficult piece -> ピアノが上手ですね。 (You are skilled at piano.)

• 筋がいい (suji ga ii) - Has potential/natural talent: This word is used to evaluate potential and innate aptitude. You might not be skilled yet, your technique might be raw, but you learn very quickly, your basic form is excellent, and you seem to have a "knack" for it.

  • Example: On the very first piano lesson, you already have a good sense of rhythm and hand posture -> ピアノの筋がいいね。 (You have a real knack for the piano.)

• いい線いってる (ii sen itteru) - On the right track: This compliment focuses on the process. You are doing well and heading in the right direction to achieve your goal.

  • Example: While solving a difficult math problem and getting close to the answer -> うん、いい線いってるよ！ (Yeah, you're on the right track!)

💡 Tip: 筋がいい is a compliment about potential, while 上手 is a compliment about achievement.

💼 Real-life situations

筋がいい is used in many contexts, from work and sports to the arts.

1. At work 🏢 When a new employee learns the job very quickly and has a smart way of solving problems.

Boss (talking to someone else): 「新人の佐藤くん、なかなか筋がいいよ。一度教えただけで、すぐ自分のものにするんだ。」 (The new guy, Satou-kun, has really good instincts. You only have to teach him once and he makes it his own.)

2. In sports 🏌️‍♂️ When a beginner tries tennis for the first time but has a very natural and beautiful swing.

Coach: 「初めてとは思えないフォームだね。筋がいい！絶対うまくなるよ。」 (I can't believe it's your first time with a form like that. You've got talent! You'll definitely get good at this.)

3. In the arts 🎨 When a new art student already has a great sense of composition and color.

Teacher: 「彼は絵の筋がいい。これからが楽しみだ。」 (That boy has a natural talent for painting. I'm looking forward to his future.)

✨ Conclusion

筋がいい is one of the most valuable compliments you can receive, especially from an experienced senior. It not only acknowledges your effort but also recognizes the infinite potential they see in you.

Next time you want to praise a promising junior, instead of saying 上手, try using 筋がいいね. Your compliment will surely sound more 'profound' and meaningful! 😉