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うまくいく (umaku iku) - go well

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression (compound verb)

neutral

How it works

This expression is formed by combining the adverb うまく (umaku, meaning 'skillfully, well') from the adjective うまい (umai, written 上手い or 旨い, 'good, skillful') and the verb いく (iku, 'to go'). It literally means 'to go well' or 'to proceed smoothly', indicating a successful outcome or process. It can apply to plans, situations, or even things working mechanically.

Sample sentences

この計画がうまくいくことを願っています。

I hope this plan goes well.

最初は大変だったけど、最後は全てうまくいった。

It was difficult at first, but in the end, everything worked out well.

新しい仕事はうまくいっていますか？

Is your new job going well?

Quick facts

usageNote:While written as うまくいく, the verb いく (iku) is often pronounced ゅく (yuku) in compounds or when a softer sound is preferred, though this is less common with うまく. The adverb うまく is derived from the i-adjective 旨い (umai) meaning 'tasty/skillful' or 上手い (umai) meaning 'skillful/good'.

Often used with

計画がうまくいく (keikaku ga umaku iku) - a plan goes well

仕事がうまくいく (shigoto ga umaku iku) - work goes well

人間関係がうまくいく (ningen kankei ga umaku iku) - relationships go well

全てがうまくいく (subete ga umaku iku) - everything goes well

うまいこといく (umai koto iku) - colloquial variant, things go well

Mnemonic

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Example

この計画がうまくいくことを願っています。

I hope this plan goes well.

最初は大変だったけど、最後は全てうまくいった。

It was difficult at first, but in the end, everything worked out well.