Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| краси́вый | krasívyj | |
| прекра́сный | prekrásnyj | |
| ле́пый | lépyj | archaic |
| приго́жий | prigóžij | poetic |
The most common way to express that something or someone is attractive is by using the adjective краси́вый, which applies to people, objects or scenery. Other words can convey more specific nuances of beauty, such as Очаровательный for 'charming' or 'enchanting', Великолепный for 'gorgeous' or 'magnificent' and прекра́сный for 'magnificent' or 'splendid'.
Which one should you use?
While краси́вый is the standard, most common term for 'beautiful' or 'handsome', прекра́сный is a stronger, more intense form often translated as 'wonderful' or 'exquisite'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word приго́жий is a poetic or literary term used to describe a pleasant setting or a person's appearance. In contrast, ле́пый is an archaic form and is rarely used in modern everyday speech. For informal descriptions of an attractive woman, the noun красотка can be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective краси́вый must agree with the noun it modifies. The masculine form is краси́вый, while the adjective changes its ending to -ая to agree with feminine nouns (краси́вая), to -ое to agree with neuter nouns (краси́вое) or to -ые to agree with plural nouns (краси́вые).
How do you pronounce it?
krasívyj
Did you know?
- The adjective прекра́сный contains the root крас-, which is the same root found in the old Russian word for 'red', кра́сный.
- While краси́вый describes beauty, the word краса́вец is often used as an exclamation of approval for a well-done job or a clever move, regardless of appearance.
- To describe something as 'beautifully' done, Russians often use the adverb краси́во, which can also be used sarcastically to describe a pretentious or fake gesture.
Examples in context
- Это красивый город.This is a beautiful city.
- У неё красивая улыбка.She has a beautiful smile.
- Это красивое платье.This is a beautiful dress.
- Ты такая красотка!You're such a beauty!
- Карина – настоящая красотка.Karina is a real beauty.
- Этот цветок очень краси́вый.Etot tsvetok ochen' krasivyy.This flower is very beautiful.
- У тебя краси́вый голос.U tebya krasivyy golos.You have a beautiful voice.
- В парке сегодня краси́вый закат.V parke segodnya krasivyy zakat.There is a beautiful sunset in the park today.
Example conversation
Andrei and Ekaterina are walking in a botanical garden.
- Андрей AndreyСмотри, какой краси́вый вид!Smotri, kakoy krasivyy vid!Look, what a beautiful view!
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, Андрей, это действительно чудесно.Da, Andrey, eto deystvitel'no chudesno.Yes, Andrei, it is truly wonderful.
- Андрей AndreyТебе нравится этот сад?Tebe nravitsya etot sad?Do you like this garden?
- Екатерина EkaterinaОчень, здесь очень красиво.Ochen', zdes' ochen' krasivo.Very much, it is very beautiful here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
