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How to Say Beautiful in Japanese

Beautiful in Japanese can be expressed many ways, from the elegant 美しい (utsukushii) to the versatile 綺麗 (kirei). Japanese has a rich vocabulary for beauty, with different words depending on what you are describing and how poetic you want to be.

Words for Beautiful

Different ways to express beauty in Japanese:

Japanese	Reading	Romaji	English
美しい	うつくしい	utsukushii	Beautiful (elegant, literary)
綺麗	きれい	kirei	Beautiful / pretty / clean
可愛い	かわいい	kawaii	Cute / adorable
素敵	すてき	suteki	Lovely / wonderful
格好いい	かっこいい	kakkoii	Cool / handsome
素晴らしい	すばらしい	subarashii	Wonderful / magnificent
見事	みごと	migoto	Splendid / superb
華やか	はなやか	hanayaka	Gorgeous / glamorous

美しいうつくしい

utsukushiiBeautiful (elegant, literary)

綺麗きれい

kireiBeautiful / pretty / clean

可愛いかわいい

kawaiiCute / adorable

素敵すてき

sutekiLovely / wonderful

格好いいかっこいい

kakkoiiCool / handsome

素晴らしいすばらしい

subarashiiWonderful / magnificent

見事みごと

migotoSplendid / superb

華やかはなやか

hanayakaGorgeous / glamorous

美しい vs 綺麗: When to Use Each

美しい (utsukushii) is the more literary, elevated word for beauty. You would use it for a breathtaking sunset, a moving piece of music, or a person of striking beauty. It carries emotional weight. 綺麗 (kirei) is the everyday word and is far more versatile. It means both "beautiful/pretty" and "clean/tidy." You can say a person is kirei, a room is kirei, or flowers are kirei. For daily conversation, kirei is the safer and more natural choice.

The Power of Kawaii

可愛い (kawaii) might be the most important aesthetic word in modern Japan. While it translates to "cute," its usage extends far beyond what English speakers expect. Kawaii describes babies, fashion, food presentation, handwriting, elderly people, and even serious products. Japan's kawaii culture influences everything from mascot characters (ゆるキャラ, yuru-kyara) to government campaigns. Understanding kawaii is understanding a core part of modern Japanese sensibility.

Complimenting People

Words specifically for complimenting someone's appearance:

Japanese	Reading	Romaji	English
美人	びじん	bijin	Beautiful woman / beauty
イケメン	いけめん	ikemen	Handsome guy
スタイルがいい	すたいるがいい	sutairu ga ii	Has a nice figure
おしゃれ	おしゃれ	oshare	Stylish / fashionable
似合う	にあう	niau	It suits you / looks good on you

美人びじん

bijinBeautiful woman / beauty

イケメンいけめん

ikemenHandsome guy

スタイルがいいすたいるがいい

sutairu ga iiHas a nice figure

おしゃれおしゃれ

oshareStylish / fashionable

似合うにあう

niauIt suits you / looks good on you

Giving a Compliment

A natural way to compliment someone:

その髪型、すごく似合ってるね。素敵だよ。

Sono kamigata, sugoku niatteru ne. Suteki da yo.

"That hairstyle really suits you. It looks lovely."

Common Questions

What is the difference between kirei and kawaii?

綺麗 (kirei) means beautiful or pretty in an elegant, refined way. 可愛い (kawaii) means cute or adorable. You would call a sunset kirei but a puppy kawaii. For people, kirei implies sophistication and beauty, while kawaii implies charm and cuteness. Both are compliments.

Can you call a man kirei in Japanese?

You can, but it is more common for women. For men, かっこいい (kakkoii, meaning cool/handsome) or イケメン (ikemen, meaning handsome guy) are more typical compliments. 綺麗 for a man would suggest a clean, refined beauty rather than rugged handsomeness.

How do you say beautiful in Japanese for nature?

For nature, both 美しい (utsukushii) and 綺麗 (kirei) work well. 美しい feels more poetic — perfect for describing cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, or a starry sky. 綺麗 is more casual and conversational. 見事 (migoto, splendid) is great for something impressive like a waterfall.

Is it okay to compliment strangers in Japan?

Japanese culture is generally more reserved about personal compliments to strangers. Complimenting someone's belongings (nice bag, cute phone case) is usually fine. Direct appearance compliments to strangers can feel too forward. With friends and acquaintances, compliments are welcomed and appreciated.