Have you ever thought about complimenting someone in Japanese but didn’t know which word to use? Or were you curious about how to correctly and respectfully describe someone’s beauty in the Japanese language? In this article, we will explain the main terms and cultural nuances so that you can compliment in Japanese without making anyone uncomfortable.
In Japan, complimenting someone requires care and tact. This is because the Japanese are known for their shyness and modesty, and direct compliments can cause surprise or even embarrassment. Still, there are many ways to express appreciation politely and appropriately. Let’s explore these terms and the best way to use them!
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How to Say “Beautiful” in Japanese?
The most direct and elegant word for “beautiful” in Japanese is utsukushii (美しい), used to describe sophisticated beauty. Utsukushii is an adult and poetic term, more common in formal descriptions or when talking about the beauty of nature.
Another term commonly used in everyday life is kirei (綺麗), which can mean both “pretty” and “clean” or “pure.” Kirei is a lighter and more neutral compliment, applied to both a person’s appearance and to objects or landscapes.
On the other hand, kawaii (可愛い), which means “cute” or “adorable,” is widely popular in Japanese culture and refers to something beautiful in a childlike and innocent way. Kawaii is not only used for people but also for animals, clothes, and even objects.
An example of how these terms can be used appears in the sentence below:
ヒトリゴトに全部隠して
hitorigoto ni zenbu kakushi te
Translation: I hid everything behind the words I spoke to myself.
In this sentence, although it is not directly related to compliments, there is an implicit poetry in the way feelings and words are conveyed.
How to Say “Sexy” in Japanese?
If the goal is to express something more sensual, the word sekushii (セクシー), derived from the English “sexy,” is the most commonly used. It is appropriate in casual contexts and often appears in conversations among friends.
For an even bolder connotation, you can use eroi (エロい), which means “sensual” or “erotic.” Be careful with the use of this term, as it is quite explicit and can be considered vulgar depending on the situation.
A more subtle and elegant alternative is suteki (素敵), which means “wonderful” or “charming.” Suteki can be used to describe a person affectionately, without the connotation of sensuality.
How to Say “Handsome” in Japanese?
To compliment a man’s appearance, the most common term is ikemen (イケメン), which refers to a good-looking and charming man. It is a modern word, widely used by young people to describe attractive men.
If you want something more formal or literary, use binanshi (美男子), which literally means “handsome man.” This word has a more refined aura and is often found in literature or artistic descriptions.
Hansamu (ハンサム), another adaptation of the English “handsome,” is a direct compliment, especially used to positively describe male appearance.
Other Compliments and Expressions of Delight
There are also compliments that go beyond physical beauty, describing qualities or skills of a person. Sugoi (凄い) is a common expression for “amazing” or “fantastic,” used in situations of admiration. Subarashii (素晴らしい) means “wonderful” or “splendid,” and kanpeki (完璧) is used to say that something is “perfect.”
These compliments are widely applicable and can express appreciation for talents, achievements, or someone’s personality. Here is an example of how these feelings can be described poetically:
ヒトリゴトに全部隠して hitorigoto ni zenbu kakushi te
Translation: I hid everything behind the words I spoke to myself.
With this information, you can start using compliments in Japanese appropriately and consciously, respecting cultural nuances. So, did you like the tips? Share this article with your friends and practice your compliments!
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