good on ya
phrase · casual
Well done; good for you. Also a friendly thank you.
How Aussies use it
- You passed your driving test? Good on ya!
- Thanks for helping out. Good on ya.
How to pronounce ‘good on ya’
Say it like this: GOOD on-ya
‘good on ya’ in a conversation
Raj: I finally finished my PTE prep course.
Kate: Good on ya! When's the test?
Good to know
Sometimes written 'good onya'. It's warm and friendly.
A common mistake
It isn't sarcastic. It's genuine praise or thanks.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use well done instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Quick check
What does ‘good on ya’ mean?
- Well done; good for you. Also a friendly thank you.
- A present; a gift.
- Eager, interested, wanting to do something.
Show the answer
A. Well done; good for you. Also a friendly thank you.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'good on ya' mean in Australia?
Well done; good for you. Also a friendly thank you. Sometimes written 'good onya'. It's warm and friendly.
Can I say 'good on ya' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'good on ya' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'good on ya'?
Say it like this: GOOD on-ya. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.