GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜てよかった
Expresses relief or satisfaction that a past action was taken or a result occurred.
Examples
症状が軽いうちに病院へ行ってよかった。
I am glad I went to the hospital while my symptoms were still mild.
Words used
雨が降る前に洗濯物を取り込んでよかった。
I am glad I brought the laundry in before it started raining.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
よかったto a verb's te-form to express relief or a positive evaluation of an actual action or result. - Basic usage:
雨が降る前に洗濯物を取り込んでよかった。expresses relief at having brought in the laundry before the rain.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Relief at not doing something
買わなくてよかったexpresses relief at not buying something.買わなければよかったregrets a purchase already made, so distinguish the negative endingsなくてandなければ.