美しい
utsukushii[ɯ̟t͡sɨ̥kɯ̟ɕiː]
The English word 'beautiful' is translated into Japanese as 美しい (utsukushii) or 綺麗.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 美しい | utsukushii | [ɯ̟t͡sɨ̥kɯ̟ɕiː] (narrow) |
| 綺麗 | kirei | [kʲiɾe̞ː] (narrow) |
Both terms are used to describe something attractive. However, 綺麗 is a versatile word that can mean both 'beautiful' and 'clean' or 'tidy'. It is the standard word used to describe a room or an object being clean or organized. In contrast, 美しい often describes an abstract, profound or sublime beauty.
Which one should you use?
美しい is more formal and often refers to profound or sublime beauty. 綺麗 is more common in daily conversation and can also mean 'clean'.
How does it change in a sentence?
美しい is an i-adjective, so it modifies nouns directly, such as in 美しい花. 綺麗 is a na-adjective, so when it modifies a noun, it requires the particle な, as in 綺麗な花.
How do you pronounce it?
utsukushii
Did you know?
- The historical form of 美しい was once closer to the word 厳しい (itsukushii), which used to mean 'beautiful' or 'lovely' before its meaning shifted toward 'severe'.
- If a Japanese person describes a person's heart as 綺麗, they are praising their kindness and innocence rather than their physical attractiveness.
- In traditional Japanese arts, describing something as 美しい may imply a spiritual or moral purity rather than just a pleasing visual appearance.
Examples in context
- 綺麗じゃない？Beautiful, don't you think?This sentence is useful for checking if someone agrees that something is beautiful using 綺麗.Tatoeba #10287613 by small_snow, translation #3414032 by corvard
- 地球は美しい。The earth is beautiful.This sentence uses 美しい to describe the earth.Tatoeba #11752819 by small_snow, translation #8910130 by shekitten
- 綺麗な刀だな。It's a beautiful sword.This sentence uses 綺麗 to describe a sword.Tatoeba #12020410 by small_snow, translation #3820404 by CK
- 彼女は綺麗です (Kanojo wa kirei desu)She is beautiful
- 237 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is watching a sunset at the beach.
- 健太 Kenta美しい夕焼けですね。Utsukushii yūyake desu ne.It is a beautiful sunset, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、本当に美しいです。Hai, hontō ni utsukushii desu.Yes, it is truly beautiful.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、景色が好きですか？Himari-san wa, keshiki ga suki desu ka?Himari, do you like scenery?
- 陽葵 Himari大好きです、健太さん。Daisuki desu, Kenta-san.I love it, Kenta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries 美しい, 綺麗, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 綺麗, 美しい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
