Translation guide
The English word "beautiful" covers a wide range of aesthetic appreciation, from physical beauty to abstract qualities. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 美しい (utsukushii), but other words like きれい (kirei) and 素敵 (suteki) are used depending on context, formality, and what is being described. This guide helps learners choose the right expression for people, objects, nature, actions, and abstract concepts.
To describe something as beautiful in a formal, literary, or emotionally moving way. Often used for nature, art, or profound beauty.
The standard adjective for 'beautiful'. It carries a sense of deep, often elegant or refined beauty. Suitable for formal speech, writing, and descriptions of nature, art, or people. Can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation.
富士山は美しい山です。
Mt. Fuji is a beautiful mountain.
彼女の歌声はとても美しい。
Her singing voice is very beautiful.
Can also describe abstract beauty, such as a beautiful heart or spirit.
彼女は心が美しい人です。
She is a person with a beautiful heart.
To describe something as beautiful, pretty, or clean in everyday conversation. This is the most common word for complimenting appearance or tidiness.
A versatile na-adjective meaning 'beautiful', 'pretty', or 'clean'. Used for people, objects, and places. Much more common in casual speech than 美しい. Note: despite ending in い, it is a na-adjective (きれいな + noun).
今日はきれいな空ですね。
The sky is beautiful today, isn't it?
そのドレス、とてもきれいだね。
That dress is really pretty.
部屋をきれいに掃除した。
I cleaned the room beautifully (thoroughly).
Can also mean 'clean' or 'tidy', which is a common extension of the beauty sense.
To express that something is wonderful, lovely, or fantastic in a subjective, often emotional way. Commonly used for experiences, people, or things that give a positive feeling.
A na-adjective meaning 'lovely', 'wonderful', or 'fantastic'. It conveys a sense of charm and personal appeal. Often used for people, outfits, places, and experiences. More emotional and subjective than 美しい or きれい.
素敵な笑顔ですね。
What a beautiful smile!
昨日のパーティーは素敵だった。
Yesterday's party was wonderful.
An i-adjective meaning 'wonderful', 'splendid', or 'magnificent'. Stronger than 素敵 and often used for achievements, performances, or grand things. Can be used for beauty in a grand sense.
To describe a person as physically beautiful or attractive. Note that direct compliments can be sensitive; context and relationship matter.
A noun meaning 'beautiful woman'. It is a common and relatively neutral way to describe a woman's beauty. Can be used as 美人な (na-adjective) or 美人の (noun modifier).
彼女は本当に美人だね。
She's really beautiful, isn't she?
Noun meaning 'handsome man'. Less commonly used than 美人; イケメン is more casual and popular.
Casual slang for a good-looking guy. Very common in everyday speech.
Can be used for people, but sounds formal and poetic. Often used for a woman's beauty in literature or formal compliments.
To describe something as beautiful with a sense of refined taste, elegance, or artistic quality. Often used for design, fashion, or subtle beauty.
Again, 美しい fits here, especially for art, design, or anything with aesthetic merit.
この絵は本当に美しい。
This painting is truly beautiful.
A na-adjective meaning 'graceful' or 'elegant'. Used for refined beauty, often in movement or form.
An i-adjective meaning 'beautiful', 'lovely', often used in poetic or literary contexts. Can describe scenery, voice, or a person's character.
To describe the weather or a day as beautiful, pleasant, or fine.
The most common way to say 'beautiful weather'. いい means 'good', but in context it means 'fine' or 'beautiful'.
今日はいい天気ですね。
It's beautiful weather today, isn't it?
Noun meaning 'clear weather'. Often used in weather forecasts or to describe a sunny day.
明日は晴れでしょう。
It will be beautiful (clear) tomorrow.
To describe an action, performance, or skill as beautiful, often implying grace, precision, or excellence.
A na-adjective meaning 'splendid', 'magnificent', or 'brilliant'. Used for impressive performances, skills, or outcomes. Can be translated as 'beautiful' when describing a well-executed action.
見事な演奏でした。
It was a beautiful performance.
Can modify nouns like フォーム (form) or 動き (movement) to mean 'beautiful'.
To describe something as beautiful in a cute, charming, or endearing way. Often overlaps with 'pretty' or 'adorable'.
Usually means 'cute', but can be used for a type of beauty that is charming and attractive, especially for people, animals, or small things. Not for grand beauty.
その子犬は本当に可愛い。
That puppy is really beautiful (cute).
美しい (utsukushii) is more formal, literary, and often describes profound or elegant beauty. きれい (kirei) is the everyday word for 'pretty', 'beautiful', or 'clean'. Use きれい for casual compliments and 美しい for writing or formal speech.
In casual conversation, 美しい can sound exaggerated or poetic. Stick to きれい or 素敵 unless you want to sound dramatic.
Directly calling someone 美しい can be awkward. It's safer to compliment specific things like 笑顔 (smile) or ドレス (dress) using 素敵 or きれい.
なんて美しい景色なんだ！
What a beautiful view!
今日はきれいだね。
You look beautiful today.
彼女は心が美しい。
She has a beautiful heart.
Please wash your hands clean.
素晴らしい景色ですね。
What a magnificent view!
He is handsome.
あの俳優はイケメンだよね。
That actor is good-looking, isn't he?
Using 美しい directly to a person can sound overly dramatic or like a pick-up line. In casual settings, きれい is safer.
あなたは美しい。
You are beautiful.
Her dance is graceful.
麗しい友情
beautiful friendship
美しいフォームで走る。
Run with beautiful form.