Translation guide
How to talk about a man's physical appearance in Japanese, from general attractiveness to specific features.
Describing a man as handsome or good-looking in a general sense.
The most common and neutral loanword for 'handsome'. Used for men of any age.
彼はとてもハンサムですね。
He's very handsome, isn't he?
Slang for a good-looking guy, especially young and stylish. Very common in casual speech.
あの俳優、イケメンだよね。
That actor is a good-looking guy, isn't he?
A traditional word for a handsome man, often implying a rugged or manly handsomeness. Slightly old-fashioned but still used.
彼はなかなかの男前だ。
He's quite a handsome man.
Refers to a handsome man, originally from kabuki, meaning a 'leading man' type. Often used for actors or celebrities.
彼は二枚目俳優として人気がある。
He's popular as a handsome leading-man actor.
Commenting on specific facial features of a man.
Means 'well-proportioned features'. A safe, polite way to say someone has a handsome face.
彼は顔立ちが整っている。
He has well-proportioned features.
Literally 'eyes and nose are clear/distinct', meaning someone has sharp, well-defined features. Often used for men with striking looks.
彼は目鼻立ちがはっきりしていて、印象的だ。
He has sharp, well-defined features and is striking.
A 'beautiful man', often implying delicate or almost feminine beauty. Can sound a bit literary or old-fashioned.
Describing a man's overall style, coolness, or attractive aura.
The most common word for 'cool' or 'good-looking' in a stylish sense. Used for men of all ages.
そのジャケット、かっこいいね。
That jacket looks cool on you.
Slang for 'cool', 'stylish', or 'hot'. Often used for a man's overall vibe.
あのバンドのボーカル、イケてるよね。
The vocalist of that band is hot, isn't he?
Means 'tasteful', 'refined', or 'ruggedly handsome', often for older men. Implies a mature, understated coolness.
Commenting on a man's body shape or build.
Means 'has a good physique/build'. Can imply muscular, well-built, or just healthy and sturdy.
彼は体格がいいから、何を着ても似合う。
He has a good physique, so anything looks good on him.
Loanword for 'macho', meaning muscular. Often used casually.
彼はジムで鍛えて、すごくマッチョになった。
He worked out at the gym and got really muscular.
A 'lean muscular' build, slim but toned. A popular ideal in modern Japan.
The phrase 'man's looks' is not directly translated into a single Japanese noun. Instead, use adjectives or descriptive phrases. For example, 'He has good looks' is 彼は見た目がいい (kare wa mitame ga ii), but more natural expressions depend on context.
彼は見た目がいい。
He has good looks.
ハンサム is a neutral, safe word for 'handsome'. イケメン is casual slang for a good-looking guy, often young. かっこいい is broader, meaning 'cool' or 'attractive' in style or action. Use かっこいい for overall impression, ハンサム for facial handsomeness, and イケメン among friends.
彼は自分の見た目にとても気を使っている。
He is very conscious of his looks.
彼の見た目は年月とともに変わった。
His looks have changed over the years.
He's like a beautiful man out of a painting.
As he's aged, he's developed a rugged, refined charm.
細マッチョ体型がモテるらしい。
Apparently a lean muscular body type is popular.