優雅
yūga[jɯ̟ːɡa̠]
The English word 'grace' can be translated into Japanese as 優雅 (yūga), meaning elegant movement, poise or balance (noun). Wiktionary also lists 雅やか (miyabiyaka).
Meaning: elegant movement, poise or balance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 優雅 | yūga | [jɯ̟ːɡa̠] (narrow) |
| 雅やか | miyabiyaka | [mʲija̠bʲija̠ka̠] (narrow) |
The term refers to elegant movement, poise or balance. It can function as a noun representing elegance or as a na-adjective meaning 'graceful'.
Which one should you use?
While 優雅 (yūga) is often used as a noun meaning 'elegance', it is also frequently used as a na-adjective to describe something as 'graceful'. Another form, 雅やか (miyabiyaka), can also be used to express this sense of grace.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the adjective 優雅 (yūga) into the noun form for 'grace' (the quality of being graceful), you add the suffix -sa to create 優雅さ.
How do you pronounce it?
yūga
Did you know?
- In classical Japanese literature, the grace implied by miyabi often included a sense of bittersweetness or the beauty of things that fade, a concept known as mono no aware.
- In the context of tea ceremonies, grace is often viewed not as a lack of effort, but as the result of precise, intentional movements that appear natural.
- While yūga describes a polished elegance, the term miyabi specifically implies a sense of urbanity or 'city-slicker' sophistication associated with the ancient capital of Kyoto.
Examples in context
- 洋子はみんながびっくりするような優雅さで踊った。Yoko danced with a grace that surprised us.This example shows how to use 優雅 to describe the quality of a dance.Tatoeba #78879 by mookeee, translation #324837 by CP
- 彼女の歩き方はとても優雅だ。Kanojo no aruki kata wa totemo yuuga da.The way she walks is very elegant.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are watching a professional ballet performance.
- 健太 Kentaあのダンサーの動きは本当に優雅だね。Ano dansaa no ugoki wa hontou ni yuuga da ne.That dancer's movements are truly elegant, aren't they?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、見ているだけで感動します。Hai, mite iru dake de kandou shimasu.Yes, I am moved just by watching her.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵もあんな風に踊れたら素敵だね。Himari mo anna fuu ni odoretara suteki da ne.It would be lovely if you could dance like that too, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、そんなこと言わないでください。Kenta-san, sonna koto iwanaide kudasai.Kenta, please don't say such things.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grace” translations and entries 優雅, 雅やか, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
