komea
/ˈkomeɑ/
The Finnish word for handsome is komea. Wiktionary also lists kaunis.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| komea | /ˈkomeɑ/ |
| kaunis | /ˈkɑu̯nis/ |
Komea is used to describe a man who is attractive. It can also be used to describe things that are impressive, stately or grand, such as a komea rakennus (a handsome or imposing building).
Which one should you use?
While komea is specifically used for men to mean handsome, kaunis is a more general term for beautiful or pretty that can be used for women, objects or nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective komea must agree with the noun it modifies in case. For example, in the partitive case, it becomes komeaa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkomeɑ/
Did you know?
- Some linguists believe komea may have originally referred to the quality of a person's voice rather than their physical appearance.
- While komea means handsome, it is frequently used in Finnish to describe a 'grand' or 'stately' achievement, such as a komea suoritus meaning a splendid performance.
- In Finnish, the word kaunis is used for women and nature, but describing a man as kaunis can imply a more delicate or feminine beauty than the masculine komea.
Examples in context
- Tom on komea mies.Tom is a handsome man.This sentence shows how to use komea to describe a man.Tatoeba #3375121 by Silja, translation #1025172 by CK
- Olen komeampi kuin te.I'm more handsome than you.This sentence demonstrates the comparative form of komea.Tatoeba #6875337 by aqaq, translation #6873129 by CK
- Olet oikein komea mies.You're a very handsome man.Tatoeba #2723546 by Kalle63, translation #2045793 by CK
- Hän on erittäin komea.He is very handsome.
- Miehesi on erittäin komea.Your husband is very handsome.
- Luulen, että kaikki pitävät häntä komeana.I think everyone finds him handsome.
- Näytät aina niin nätiltä!You always look so handsome/pretty!
- Olet todella nätti.You're really handsome/pretty.
- Hän on tosi hyvännäköinen.He/She is really good-looking.
- Hän on äärettömän hyvännäköinen.He/She is incredibly good-looking.
- Kaverisi on tosi hyvännäköinen.Your friend is really good-looking.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Juho are looking at a photo in a magazine.
- JuhoTuon mallin kasvot ovat todella komeat.That model's face is really handsome.
- LauraOnko hän sinusta komea mies?Do you think he is a handsome man?
- JuhoKyllä, hän on todella komea.Yes, he is very handsome.
- LauraMutta sinä olet minulle komeampi.But you are more handsome to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handsome” translations and entries komea, kaunis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kaunis, komea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
