優雅な
yūga-na
The English phrase "elegant" can be translated into Japanese as 優雅な (yūga-na), the default form. Wiktionary also lists 立派な (rippa-na) and 高雅な (kōga-na).
Meaning: exhibiting elegance (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 優雅な | yūga-na |
| 立派な | rippa-na |
| 高雅な | kōga-na |
| 典雅な | tenga-na |
優雅な is most commonly used to describe movements, a lifestyle or the aesthetic quality of an object or atmosphere.
Which one should you use?
While 優雅な refers to grace and aesthetic elegance, 立派な is used to describe something that is impressive, splendid or socially respectable. 高雅な is a more literary and formal term than 優雅な, often used to describe high-brow artistic or intellectual refinement. Additionally, 典雅な is another way to express elegance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the adjective 優雅な is 優雅.
How do you pronounce it?
yūga-na
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese arts, elegance is often found in wabi-sabi, where beauty and elegance are seen in imperfection, asymmetry and the natural cycle of decay.
- The concept of 'elegance' in Japanese is deeply tied to miyabi, an aesthetic ideal from the Heian period that valued the refinement of the imperial court and the removal of everything vulgar.
- While 優雅な describes grace, Japanese has a related concept called iki, which describes a more 'chic' or 'sophisticated' elegance that is urban, understated and slightly flirtatious.
Examples in context
- ローマカトリックの英語での祈りは、スペイン語やタガログ語のように優雅なものではない。Roman Catholic prayers in English are not as elegant as in Spanish or Tagalog.This sentence is useful for comparing the elegance of different languages when using the form 優雅な.Tatoeba #10906876 by SomeHungryBois, translation #10621330 by nonong
- 彼女は優雅な動きをする。Kanojo wa yūgana ugoki o suru.She moves in an elegant way.
- その白鳥はとても優雅な姿だ。Sono hakuchō wa totemo yūgana sugata da.The swan has a very elegant appearance.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are watching a ballet performance.
- 結衣 Yuiこの踊りは本当に優雅な動きですね。Kono odori wa hontō ni yūgana ugoki desu ne.The movements in this dance are truly elegant.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね。見惚れてしまうよ。Sō da ne. Mihorete shimau yo.You're right. I'm captivated by it.
- 結衣 Yui衣装もとても豪華で素敵です。Ishō mo totemo gōka de suteki desu.The costumes are also very luxurious and lovely.
- 大翔 Hiroto最高のステージだと思うよ。Saikō no sutēji da to omou yo.I think it's the best stage performance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elegant” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
