優雅
yūga[jɯ̟ːɡa̠]
The English phrase elegance is translated into Japanese as 優雅 (yūga). If unsure, use 優雅. Wiktionary also lists 典雅 (tenga).
Meaning: grace, refinement, and beauty in movement, appearance, or manners (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 優雅 | yūga | [jɯ̟ːɡa̠] (narrow) |
| 典雅 | tenga | [tẽ̞ŋɡa̠] (narrow) |
優雅 refers to grace, refinement and beauty in movement, appearance or manners. It is often used to describe a sophisticated lifestyle, such as in the phrase 優雅な生活 (an elegant life) or to describe a graceful way of moving.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to elegance, 優雅 (yūga) typically refers to grace and refinement in movement or appearance. In contrast, 典雅 (tenga) is more specific to elegance found in classical literature, art or a formal style.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 優雅 can be transformed into an adjective by adding な to the end, resulting in 優雅な (elegant).
How do you pronounce it?
yūga
Did you know?
- In certain contexts of traditional arts like tea ceremony, true elegance is often found in 侘寂 (wabi-sabi), which celebrates imperfection and transience rather than the polished perfection implied by 優雅.
- The concept of elegance in movement is central to Noh theatre, where the goal is yūgen. This is a profound, mysterious grace that suggests more than it reveals, moving beyond simple 'elegance' into the realm of the spiritual.
- The character 優 in 優雅 also means 'superior' or 'excellent', and it is the same character used in the word for 'actor' 俳優 (haiyū). This links the idea of elegance to the art of performance and presence.
Examples in context
- 彼女は何をするにも優雅さを放っています。She exudes elegance in everything she does.
- 伝統的な茶道の洗練された芸術には、上品さが表れています。The refined art of traditional tea ceremonies showcases their elegance.
- 彼女のエレガントなダンスは、観客を魅了します。Her elegant dance moves captivate the audience.
- 彼女の踊りはとても優雅だ。Kanojo no odori wa totemo yuuga da.Her dance is very elegant.
- 優雅な音楽が流れている。Yuuga na ongaku ga nagarete iru.Elegant music is playing.
- そのドレスには優雅さがある。Sono doresu ni wa yuugasa ga aru.There is an elegance to that dress.
Example conversation
A couple is watching a classical ballet performance.
- 陽太 Yotaあのバレエは本当に優雅ですね。Ano baree wa hontou ni yuuga desu ne.That ballet is truly elegant, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても美しい動きです。Hai, totemo utsukushii ugoki desu.Yes, the movements are very beautiful.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんも感動していますか？Yui-san mo kandou shite imasu ka?Are you moved too, Yui?
- 結衣 Yuiええ、陽太さん、素晴らしいです。Ee, Youta-san, subarashii desu.Yes, Youta, it is wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elegance” translations and entries 優雅, 典雅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
