good job
عمل جيد
Use it to give a quick, friendly boost to anyone who has completed a task successfully.
En 15 secondes
- A simple way to praise someone's effort or success.
- Works in almost any setting, from office to home.
- Focuses on the work done rather than the person.
Signification
This is a simple way to tell someone they did something well. It is a warm, positive pat on the back using words.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend after a workout
Good job on finishing that run today!
Good job on finishing that run today!
A boss praising an employee
Good job with the quarterly report, Sarah.
Good job with the quarterly report, Sarah.
Texting a sibling who passed a test
I heard you passed! Good job!
I heard you passed! Good job!
Contexte culturel
This phrase is the cornerstone of 'positive reinforcement' in English-speaking cultures. It is deeply rooted in the idea that praising small efforts leads to better results. It is so common that it is often the first 'compliment' children learn to say to each other.
The 'On' Rule
If you want to sound more natural, always add 'on' before the task, like 'Good job on the dinner!'
Watch Your Tone
If you say it too slowly or without a smile, it can sound sarcastic. Keep it upbeat!
En 15 secondes
- A simple way to praise someone's effort or success.
- Works in almost any setting, from office to home.
- Focuses on the work done rather than the person.
What It Means
Good job is the ultimate English high-five. It is a short, punchy way to show appreciation. When you say this, you are acknowledging someone's effort. It tells them their work or action was successful. It is simple, clear, and always feels good to hear. Think of it as a verbal gold star.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. Just say Good job! with a smile. You can also add on to be specific. For example, Good job on the presentation. It works well in person, over text, or in emails. It is one of the most flexible phrases in English. You do not need complex grammar to make it work. Just drop it in whenever someone finishes a task.
When To Use It
Use it when your friend cooks a great meal. Use it when a coworker finishes a hard project. It is perfect for parents talking to children. At a restaurant, you might say it to a chef. If your friend finally fixes their broken sink, say it. It is great for small wins and big victories alike. It keeps the energy positive and friendly.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very solemn or sad events. If someone tells you a secret, good job feels weird. Avoid using it sarcastically unless you are very close friends. If someone makes a huge mistake, saying good job is mean. Also, do not use it for things that are just luck. If someone wins the lottery, say congratulations instead. Good job is for effort, not just random good luck.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, positive reinforcement is a huge deal. Teachers in the US and UK use this phrase constantly. It is built into the education system from day one. It reflects a culture that values individual effort and praise. It became a standard 'go-to' phrase in the mid-20th century. Now, it is the global standard for a quick compliment. It is the 'default' setting for being nice.
Common Variations
You can spice it up easily. Try Great job for extra energy. Nice job is a bit more casual and cool. Well done is the slightly more British or formal cousin. If you want to be trendy, just say Good work. For kids, people often say Good boy or Good girl to pets. But for humans, stick to Good job to stay safe and polite.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is incredibly safe. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it appropriate for 90% of daily interactions in English.
The 'On' Rule
If you want to sound more natural, always add 'on' before the task, like 'Good job on the dinner!'
Watch Your Tone
If you say it too slowly or without a smile, it can sound sarcastic. Keep it upbeat!
The High-Five Connection
In the US, 'Good job' is often accompanied by a high-five or a thumbs-up. It is a very physical culture of praise.
Exemples
6Good job on finishing that run today!
Good job on finishing that run today!
Using 'on' plus a gerund (-ing) specifies the action.
Good job with the quarterly report, Sarah.
Good job with the quarterly report, Sarah.
Professional yet warm; builds workplace morale.
I heard you passed! Good job!
I heard you passed! Good job!
Short and enthusiastic for digital messaging.
Oh, good job, Einstein.
Oh, good job, Einstein.
Use with caution; this is humorous irony among close friends.
You cleaned up all the toys! Good job!
You cleaned up all the toys! Good job!
Very common in educational and parenting contexts.
You worked so hard for this, good job honey.
You worked so hard for this, good job honey.
Shows emotional support and recognition of effort.
Teste-toi
Choose the best preposition to follow the phrase.
Good job ___ the new website design!
We usually use 'on' or 'with' to specify the task that was done well.
Identify the most appropriate response to a coworker finishing a task.
___! The client loved your presentation.
'Good job' is the standard way to praise a completed task.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale for Praise
Used with friends and family.
Nice one!
The 'sweet spot' for almost everyone.
Good job!
Used in serious professional settings.
Excellent work.
Where to say 'Good Job'
At the Gym
One more rep! Good job!
In the Office
Good job on that email.
At Home
You fixed the sink? Good job!
School
Good job on your test.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly fine for a boss, though 'Great work' or 'Excellent job' might sound slightly more professional.
Absolutely! You can say it if someone just catches a pen you dropped. It works for any success.
'Well done' is slightly more common in British English and feels a tiny bit more formal than 'Good job'.
A simple Thank you! or Thanks, I tried my best! is the perfect response.
It is a bit unusual unless you saw them do something impressive, like helping someone or performing on the street.
Only sarcastically. If someone spills coffee, saying Good job means the opposite, but be careful not to be rude.
Yes, in casual conversation, it functions as a complete thought and does not need a verb.
In this context, we almost always drop the 'A'. Just say Good job!
Yes, it is very common in internal company emails to acknowledge a teammate's help.
No, even if you are talking to a group of ten people, you still say Good job, everyone!
Expressions liées
Way to go
An informal way to cheer someone on for a success.
Nice work
A slightly more professional variation of good job.
Kudos
Praise given for an achievement (often used in office settings).
You nailed it
Used when someone does something perfectly.
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