Various ways to say “Good idea” in Chinese

The common expressions

好主意 (hǎo zhǔyì)

A straightforward way to say “good idea,” applicable in both formal and informal contexts.

e.g.

这个方案听起来是个好主意。(Zhège fāng’àn tīng qǐlái shì gè hǎo zhǔyì.) This plan sounds like a good idea.

A：我想直接去跟老板谈谈这个方案。(Wǒ xiǎng zhíjiē qù gēn lǎobǎn tán tán zhège fāng’àn.) I want to talk to the boss directly about this plan.
B：好主意。(Hǎo zhǔyì.) Good idea.

好想法 (hǎo xiǎngfǎ)

Similar to “好主意,” it’s used to praise a thought or suggestion.

e.g.

用这种方法解决问题，真是个好想法。(Yòng zhè zhǒng fāngfǎ jiějué wèntí, zhēn shì gè hǎo xiǎngfǎ.) Using this method to solve the problem is really a good idea.

A：如果把方案A和方案B结合，是不是可以解决这个问题？(Rúguǒ bǎ fāng’àn A hé fāng’àn B jiéhé, shì bù shì kěyǐ jiějué zhège wèntí?) If we combine Plan A and Plan B, can we solve this problem?
B：好想法！(Hǎo xiǎngfǎ!) Good idea!

The extended phrases to express “good idea” in Chinese

挺好的 (tǐng hǎo de)

Means “quite good” and can be used to casually agree with or approve of an idea.

e.g.

你提议的那个项目，我觉得挺好的。(Nǐ tíyì de nàgè xiàngmù, wǒ juédé tǐng hǎo de.) The project you proposed, I think it’s quite good.

真聪明 (zhēn cōngmíng)

Literally means “really smart.” It’s a way to compliment the cleverness or ingenuity of an idea.

e.g.

这个解决办法，真聪明。(Zhège jiějué bànfǎ, zhēn cōngmíng.) This solution is really smart.

太棒了 (tài bàng le)

Means “great” or “fantastic,” and it’s a more enthusiastic way to show approval.

e.g.

你想出来的那个方法，太棒了。(Nǐ xiǎng chūlái de nàgè fāngfǎ, tài bàng le.) The method you’ve thought of is fantastic.

这个主意太棒了。(Zhège zhǔyì tài bàng le.) This idea is fantastic.