カリスマ
karisuma[ka̠ɾʲisɨma̠]
The English word 'charisma' can be expressed in Japanese using several terms, most commonly カリスマ (karisuma). Wiktionary also lists シャルム (sharumu) and 魅力 (miryoku).
Meaning: personal charm or magnetism (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| カリスマ | karisuma | [ka̠ɾʲisɨma̠] (narrow) |
| シャルム | sharumu | |
| 魅力 | miryoku | [mʲiɾʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
In Japanese, terms for charisma are used to describe the magnetic charm or the power to attract people. While the word refers to personal magnetism, it is often used to describe the person who possesses that magnetism, such as a charismatic leader.
Which one should you use?
There are distinct differences between the available forms. カリスマ is frequently used to refer to the person themselves (for example, calling someone 'a charisma') and implies an overwhelming or powerful leadership magnetism. In contrast, 魅力 is a more neutral term used for general charm or attractiveness.
How do you pronounce it?
karisuma
Did you know?
- The term カリスマ entered the Japanese lexicon via the German word 'Charisma' rather than through the English equivalent. This is a common occurrence in Japanese linguistic history where German-derived terms are used for academic or specialized concepts.
- In Japanese pop culture, カリスマ is often used to describe experts in niche fields, such as a 'charisma stylist', implying they are an untouchable master of their craft.
- The kanji component of 魅力, specifically 魅, is also used in the word for 'enchantment' or 'bewitchment'. This gives the term a slightly more mystical or hypnotic undertone than the simple English word 'charm'.
Examples in context
- 私の上司は本当にカリスマです。My boss is truly charismatic.
- 彼女はとても魅力的で、周りの人々を引き付けます。She is very charismatic and attracts people around her.
- 彼はカリスマを感じさせるリーダーだ。Kare wa karisuma o kanjisaseru rīdā da.He is a leader who possesses charisma.
- あの歌手には圧倒的なカリスマがある。Ano kashu ni wa attōteki na karisuma ga aru.That singer has an overwhelming charisma.
- カリスマ性のある人が好きです。Karisuma-sei no aru hito ga suki desu.I like people with charisma.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a famous person on a TV program.
- 大翔 Hirotoあのプロデューサーにはカリスマがあるね。Ano purodyūsā ni wa karisuma ga aru ne.That producer has real charisma, doesn't he?
- 結衣 Yui本当に、彼が言うことはすべて説得力があるよ。Hontō ni, kare ga iu koto wa subete settokuryoku ga aru yo.Truly, everything he says is very persuasive.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんは、カリスマ的な人を尊敬する？Yui-san wa, karisuma-teki na hito o sonkei suru?Yui, do you respect charismatic people?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、とても惹きつけられると思う。Un, totemo hikitsukerareru to omou.Yes, I think they are very magnetic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “charisma” translations and entries カリスマ, 魅力, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries カリスマ, 魅力, CC BY-SA 4.0.
