Translation guide
The concept of beauty in Japanese can be expressed through various words and phrases, each with different nuances. The most common and versatile word is 美しさ (utsukushisa), but depending on context, other terms like 美 (bi), 美人 (bijin), or 綺麗 (kirei) may be more appropriate. This guide covers the main ways to express 'beauty' in Japanese, from abstract concepts to describing people and things.
Referring to the abstract concept or quality of beauty, often in philosophical, artistic, or general contexts.
The most direct and common noun meaning 'beauty' as an abstract quality. It is the nominalized form of the adjective 美しい (utsukushii, beautiful).
自然の美しさに感動した。
I was moved by the beauty of nature.
彼女の歌声の美しさは格別だ。
The beauty of her singing voice is exceptional.
A more formal or literary term for 'beauty', often used in compound words or artistic/philosophical contexts. It can sound abstract or elevated.
美とは何かという問いは古くからある。
The question of what beauty is has existed since ancient times.
A rare, somewhat poetic noun form of 美しい. It emphasizes the emotional or aesthetic appreciation of beauty. Not commonly used in everyday speech.
彼の作品には深い美しみが感じられる。
A deep beauty can be felt in his works.
Referring to a woman who is beautiful, or the concept of female beauty.
The standard word for a beautiful woman. It is a noun and can be used in various contexts.
Expressing that someone or something is beautiful, often using adjectives.
Referring to beauty of character, spirit, or inner qualities.
Literally 'inner beauty'. This is the standard phrase to express the concept.
外見より内面の美しさが大切だ。
Inner beauty is more important than outward appearance.
Referring to traditional Japanese aesthetic concepts of beauty that may not have direct English equivalents.
A Japanese aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Often translated as 'rustic beauty' or 'austere elegance'.
美しい (utsukushii) is more formal and often used for profound, artistic, or natural beauty. 綺麗 (kirei) is more casual and can also mean 'clean' or 'neat'. In daily conversation, 綺麗 is more common for describing people or things as pretty/beautiful.
この花は美しい。 (poetic)
This flower is beautiful. (poetic)
この花、綺麗だね。 (conversational)
This flower is pretty, isn't it? (conversational)
The English word 'beauty' can be a noun or an interjection ('Beauty!'). In Japanese, you cannot simply say '美!' as an exclamation. Use 綺麗！ or 美しい！ instead. Also, 'beauty' as in 'the beauty of it is...' (meaning the advantage) is not translated with 美しさ; use 良い点 (ii ten) or 魅力 (miryoku).
美しさは見る人の目の中にある。
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
A direct translation of the proverb. Alternatively, 蓼食う虫も好き好き (tade kuu mushi mo sukizuki) is a Japanese equivalent meaning 'there's no accounting for taste'.
彼女は若い頃、大変な美人だった。
She was a great beauty in her youth.
この絵には独特の美がある。
This painting has a unique beauty.
彼女は本当に美人だね。
She's really a beauty, isn't she?
美人コンテストで優勝した。
She won the beauty contest.
Also means 'beautiful woman', but can sound slightly more literary or emphatic than 美人. Often used in titles or descriptions.
その美女はまるで映画スターのようだった。
That beauty looked just like a movie star.
A somewhat old-fashioned or dialectal term for a very beautiful woman. It has a warm, admiring nuance. Often used in Kansai region.
あの子は別嬪さんやなあ。
That girl is a real beauty.
The most common adjective meaning 'beautiful'. It can describe people, nature, art, sounds, etc. It is somewhat formal and often used in writing or elevated speech.
美しい景色ですね。
What a beautiful view!
彼女は美しい心の持ち主だ。
She has a beautiful heart.
A very common adjective meaning 'pretty', 'clean', or 'beautiful'. It is more casual and widely used in daily conversation than 美しい. It can describe appearance, cleanliness, or neatness.
綺麗な花だね。
What a pretty flower!
彼女は綺麗になった。
She has become beautiful.
While 美しい can be used for men, it often implies a delicate, almost feminine beauty. For a handsome man, ハンサム or かっこいい are more common. Use with caution.
Using 美しい for a man may sound like you are describing an androgynous or artistic beauty. For general 'handsome', use ハンサム or かっこいい.
彼は美しい顔立ちをしている。
He has beautiful features.
Literally 'beauty of the heart'. Similar to 内面の美しさ but more directly emotional.
彼女の心の美しさに惹かれた。
I was attracted by the beauty of her heart.
わびさびの美しさを感じる。
I feel the beauty of wabi-sabi.
A profound, mysterious sense of beauty; subtle grace. Often used in Noh theater and classical poetry.
能には幽玄の美がある。
Noh has the beauty of yūgen.