魅力
miryoku[mʲiɾʲo̞kɯ̟]
The English word 'charm' can be translated into Japanese as 魅力 (miryoku). Wiktionary also lists チャーム (chāmu) and シャルム (sharumu).
Meaning: quality of inspiring delight or admiration (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 魅力 | miryoku | [mʲiɾʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| チャーム | chāmu | |
| シャルム | sharumu |
The term 魅力 refers to the abstract quality of inspiring delight or admiration. If you wish to use 'charm' as an adjective, such as in the phrase 'a charming person', you should use the form 魅力的な. In informal settings, the word かっこいい is used to describe a person's coolness, style and charm.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 魅力 is composed of the characters 魅, meaning 'enchant' or 'bewitch' and 力, meaning 'power' or 'strength', literally translating to 'enchanting power'.
Which one should you use?
Use 魅力 when referring to an abstract quality of attraction or charm. In contrast, チャーム is typically used for physical objects like jewelry charms.
How do you pronounce it?
miryoku
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese pop culture, チャームポイント refers to a specific physical feature of a person that they find most charming.
- The word 魅力 was not an ancient term but first appeared in a 1911 short story called 秘密 by the famous novelist Jun'ichirō Tanizaki.
- Japanese speakers may use the phrase 趣がある to describe a type of 'charm' that is specifically found in understated or weathered beauty.
Examples in context
- 大都市の魅力のひとつは、その建物の建築様式に見られる多様性にある。Part of the charm of a big city lies in the variety of styles that can be seen in the architecture of its buildings.This sentence uses 魅力 to describe the variety found in architecture.Tatoeba #137376 by KK_kaku_, translation #275860 by CM
- 彼女の魅力は言葉では表現できない。Her charm is beyond description.This sentence uses 魅力 to describe a quality that is beyond description.Tatoeba #93931 by tokochangirl, translation #309774 by shekitten
- その古い田舎の家にはある魅力がある。The old cottage has a certain charm about it.This sentence uses 魅力 to describe a certain charm found in an old cottage.Tatoeba #210884 by mookeee, translation #48155 by orcrist
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are discussing a new cafe in town.
- 健太 Kentaこのカフェには、独特の魅力がありますね。Kono kafe ni wa, dokutoku no miryoku ga arimasu ne.This cafe has a unique charm, doesn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、落ち着く雰囲気も魅力のひとつです。Hai, ochitsuku fun'iki mo miryoku no hitotsu desu.Yes, the relaxing atmosphere is one of its charms.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんは、ここが気に入りましたか？Yui-san wa, koko ga kiniirimashita ka?Yui, do you like it here?
- 結衣 Yuiとても気に入りました！Totemo kiniirimashita!I like it very much!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “charm” translations and entries 魅力, チャーム, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries チャーム, 魅力, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
