うつくしい
utsukushiiliterary, formal
There are two common words for beautiful in Japanese. きれい (kirei) is the everyday word, and うつくしい (utsukushii) is more formal and used for scenery, art and deep beauty.
Meaning: pleasing to look at (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| うつくしい | utsukushii | literary, formal |
| きれい | kirei | everyday |
きれい (kirei) works for people, flowers, rooms and views. うつくしい (utsukushii) is heard in writing, in songs and when praising nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
きれい (kirei) behaves like a noun adjective, so you say きれいな花 (kirei na hana). うつくしい (utsukushii) ends in い and says うつくしい花 (utsukushii hana) without な.
Did you know?
- The word きれい (kirei) also means "clean", so context tells you which meaning is meant.
Examples in context
- この花はきれいです。kono hana wa kirei desu.This flower is beautiful.
- うつくしい景色ですね。utsukushii keshiki desu ne.It is a beautiful view.
Example conversation
Two visitors, Nao and Sho, look at cherry blossoms in a park.
- Naoさくらがきれいだね。sakura ga kirei da ne.The cherry blossoms are beautiful.
- Shoうつくしい景色だ。utsukushii keshiki da.It is a beautiful view.
- Naoほんとうに。hontō ni.Really.
