かっこいい
kakkoii
The Japanese word for badass is かっこいい (kakkoii).
The word かっこいい is a versatile term used to describe someone or something as cool, handsome or possessing badass qualities.
Meaning: having an extreme appearance, etc., considered admirable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While かっこいい can describe admirable or badass qualities in people, objects or actions, the term イケメン is used specifically to refer to a man with handsome facial features.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some dialects of western Japan, including Osaka, you may hear the regional variation かっこええ to mean cool or badass.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is excessively badass or way too cool, you can change the stem of the word to かっこよ and add the suffix すぎる to create かっこよすぎる.
How do you pronounce it?
kakkoii
When do people say it?
Among young people, the slang phrase ヤバい is also commonly used to describe something as awesome, incredible or badass.
Did you know?
- While かっこいい can be used for anyone, the term イケメン is a portmanteau of the verb イケる, meaning 'good enough' or 'attractive', and メン from the English word 'men'.
- While かっこいい focuses on the overall 'vibe' or style, the term 凛々しい (ririshii) is used for a more dignified, gallant, or 'badass' bravery typically associated with samurai.
- Because ヤバい (yabai) can mean both 'terrible' and 'badass' depending on the tone, you must rely heavily on context and facial expressions to understand the speaker.
Examples in context
- 友達のギタースキルは本当にカッコいいよね！Your friend's guitar skills are really cool, aren't they!
- あのライダー、すごくかっこいい。Ano raidā, sugoku kakkoii.That rider is really badass.
- 新しいバイク、かっこいいですね。Atarashii baiku, kakkoii desu ne.Your new bike is badass, isn't it?
- 彼はとてもかっこいいスタイルをしている。Kare wa totemo kakkoii sutairu o shite iru.He has a very badass style.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a motorcycle magazine in a cafe.
- 結衣 Yuiこのバイク、めちゃくちゃかっこいい！Kono baiku, mechachucha kakkoii!This motorcycle is totally badass!
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ、デザインがかっこいいよね。Hontō da, dezain ga kakkoii yo ne.True, the design is badass.
- 結衣 Yui大翔君もこれに乗りたい？Hiroto-kun mo kore ni noritai?Hiroto, do you want to ride this too?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、いつか乗りたいな。Un, itsuka noritai na.Yeah, I want to ride one someday.
