私はかっこいい
watashi wa kakkoii
The Japanese phrase for "I am cool" is 私はかっこいい (watashi wa kakkoii).
The phrase is used to describe oneself as being cool, stylish or handsome. It is important to note that kakkoii refers to a cool appearance or style and should not be confused with suzushii, which refers to a cool temperature.
What does it mean word for word?
The word kakkoii is a contraction of kakko ga ii, which literally means "appearance is good".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express a negative meaning, such as "not cool", you change the final i of kakkoii to ku nai to form かっこよくない.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi wa kakkoii
Did you know?
- While a person might say 私はかっこいい (watashi wa kakkoii) to mean 'I am cool', saying this about yourself in a real social situation can make you sound incredibly arrogant or even comical. In Japanese culture, it is much more common to let others praise your style than to praise yourself.
- While kakkoii describes visual coolness, the word ikemen is a specific noun used to describe a 'cool' or handsome man. It is a blend of iketeru meaning 'cool' and men from the English word 'men'.
- Japanese has a distinct word shibui for a different kind of 'cool' that refers to a refined, understated or aged aesthetic. This is the opposite of the flashy 'coolness' implied by kakkoii.
Examples in context
- 最近、クールになったと思わない？Recently, don't you think I've become cool?
- 私はかっこいいです。Watashi wa kakkoii desu.I am cool.
- 自分では、私はかっこいいと思っています。Jibun de wa, watashi wa kakkoii to omotte imasu.I think I am cool.
- そう、私はかっこいい男です。Sou, watashi wa kakkoii otoko desu.Yes, I am a cool man.
Example conversation
Youta and Misaki are talking about their fashion.
- 陽太 Yotaこの服を着れば、私はかっこいいだろ？Kono fuku o kireba, watashi wa kakkoii daro?If I wear these clothes, I am cool, right?
- 美咲 Misakiまあ、そうね。Maa, sou ne.Well, I guess so.
- 陽太 Yotaでしょ？やっぱり私はかっこいいな！Desho? Yappari watashi wa kakkoii na!Right? I really am cool!
- 美咲 Misaki自信満々ね。Jishin manman ne.You're so full of confidence.
