kaunis
/ˈkɑu̯nis/
The English word 'beautiful' is translated into Finnish as kaunis.
kaunis is used to describe something that is attractive.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While kaunis describes general beauty, the word ihana is often used to mean 'lovely' or 'wonderful' in a more emotive sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural nominative form is kauniit, used for multiple beautiful subjects. The genitive form is kauniin, which is used to indicate possession or to modify a noun in the genitive case. When describing multiple beautiful things in a partitive context, use the plural partitive form kauniita.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɑu̯nis/
Did you know?
- Finnish has a word kaunokirjallisuus, which translates literally to 'beautiful literature' but is the standard term for 'fiction'.
- The word kaunis shares a common ancestor with the English word 'sheen', which refers to a bright or lustrous shine.
- When describing a person as kaunis, it is common to use the word for 'beautiful' for women, while komea is typically used for 'handsome' men.
Examples in context
- Se on kaunis maa.It's a beautiful country.This example shows how to use kaunis to describe a country.Tatoeba #5700704 by Orava, translation #37758 by CK
- Se kukka on kaunis.The flower is beautiful.This example shows how to use kaunis to describe a flower.Tatoeba #4215443 by Silja, translation #4350341 by Tjagotje
- Mun sisko on kaunis.My sister is beautiful.This example shows how to use kaunis to describe a person.Tatoeba #7426948 by Thanuir, translation #7001865 by Darragh_jd
- Hän on kaunis.She is beautiful.
- Kaunis talo.Beautiful house.
- Ihana päivä.Wonderful day.
- Kaunis kuva!Beautiful picture!
- Komea mies tanssii hyvin.A handsome man dances well.
- Tuo mekko on hieno.That dress is beautiful.
- Sä oot tosi nätti.You are really pretty.
- 210 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Antti are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- LauraKatso, tuo taulu on tosi kaunis.Look, that painting is really beautiful.
- AnttiOlet oikeassa, värit ovat hienoja.You are right, the colors are great.
- LauraHaluaisin ostaa tämän kotiini.I would like to buy this for my home.
- AnttiSe sopisi hyvin sinne.It would fit well there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries kaunis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kaunis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
