美少女
bishōjo
The English phrase "beautiful girl" is translated into Japanese as 美少女 (bishōjo).
This phrase refers to a young girl who is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 美少女 is composed of the kanji 美 (beautiful), 少 (young/few) and 女 (woman/girl).
How do you pronounce it?
bishōjo
Did you know?
- Using 美少女 to describe a real person in a casual social setting might come across as sounding like you are reciting a manga title rather than giving a compliment.
- While 美少女 describes a girl, the term 美少年 (bishōnen) describes a beautiful boy, often characterized by an androgynous or feminine appearance in manga and anime.
- If you were to describe a beautiful adult woman, you would likely use the word 美人 (bijin) instead of using the term 美少女.
Examples in context
- このパーティーで美しい少女を見ました。I saw a beautiful girl at this party.
- 今日、キレイな女の子に出会ったよ。I met a pretty girl today.
- あそこに美少女がいます。Asoko ni bishōjo ga imasu.There is a beautiful girl over there.
- アニメに出てくる美少女が大好きです。Anime ni detekuru bishōjo ga daisuki desu.I love beautiful girls in anime.
Example conversation
Daigaku are discussing a new student.
- 大翔 Hiroto隣のクラスに美少女が入ったらしいよ。Tonari no kurasu ni bishōjo ga haitta rashii yo.I heard a beautiful girl joined the class next door.
- 結衣 Yuiえっ、本当？気になるな。E, hontō? Kininaru na.What, really? I'm curious now.
- 大翔 Hirotoみんな彼女の話をしていたよ。Minna kanojo no hanashi o shite ita yo.Everyone was talking about her.
- 結衣 Yui後で詳しく教えてね。Ato de kuwashiku oshiete ne.Tell me more about it later.
