彼はかっこいいです
kare wa kakkoii desu
The English phrase "he is handsome" can be translated into Japanese as 彼はかっこいいです (kare wa kakkoii desu).
This phrase is used to describe a man who is physically attractive or stylish. The term かっこいい can mean cool, stylish or handsome depending on the context. While it is used for people, it can also be used to describe things that are cool, stylish or impressive. Additionally, the noun イケメン is a slang term specifically used to refer to a "good-looking guy," particularly in terms of their fashionable appearance.
What does it mean word for word?
The word かっこいい is a combination of kakko (appearance/shape) and ii (good).
Which one should you use?
While kakkoii is a general adjective for being cool or handsome, the noun イケメン is a slang term specifically used to refer to a "good-looking guy". カッコいい can be used to mean cool, stylish or handsome, whereas 彼（かれ）はイケてる！ is an informal way to say "He is cool".
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding desu to the end of kakkoii makes the phrase polite and suitable for most social situations. For example, かっこいいです means "is handsome/cool".
How do you pronounce it?
kare wa kakkoii desu
Did you know?
- The slang term イケメン is a portmanteau of the verb いける meaning 'good' or 'acceptable' and メン from the English word 'men'.
- While かっこいい describes being handsome or cool, the term ハンサム is also used in Japanese as a loanword from English. However, ハンサム often feels slightly old-fashioned or specifically refers to classic facial features rather than overall style.
- The word かっこいい is actually a contraction of 格好が良い (kakko ga ii), where 格好 means 'shape' or 'appearance'.
Examples in context
- 彼はかっこいいです。Kare wa kakkoii desu.He is handsome.
Example conversation
Hana and Yamato are looking at a photo of a famous actor.
- 陽葵 Himariこの俳優さん、どう思う？Kono haiyuu-san, dou omou?What do you think of this actor?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、彼はかっこいいです。Un, kare wa kakkoii desu.Yeah, he is handsome.
- 陽葵 Himari私もそう思う！Watashi mo sou omou!I think so too!
- 大翔 Hiroto特に目が素敵だよね。Tokuni me ga suteki da yo ne.Especially his eyes are lovely.
