完璧
kanpeki[kã̠mpe̞kʲi]
The English word 'perfect' is translated to Japanese as 完璧 (kanpeki).
完璧 is used to describe something that is excellent and delightful in all respects. While it can be used to describe people, it is most commonly used to describe systems, plans, performances or objects that have no flaws.
Meaning: excellent and delightful in all respects (adj)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'perfect' can be used as a verb (to perfect something), but 完璧 is strictly a noun or a na-adjective in Japanese.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 完璧 as an adjective before a noun, you must add the particle な to form 完璧な. When using 完璧 at the end of a sentence to describe a state, it is typically followed by the copula だ or です.
How do you pronounce it?
kanpeki
Did you know?
- The characters in 完璧 literally mean 'sphere' and 'gem'. It refers to a legendary flawless jade sphere from ancient China that was returned to its owner intact.
- While English speakers might say a 'perfect person' to mean someone wonderful, using 完璧な人 in Japanese can sound slightly unnatural or even suspicious, as if you are describing a robot or a programmed entity rather than a human being.
- While 完璧 means 'perfect', Japanese speakers often use the phrase 完璧じゃない ('not perfect') as a humble way to deflect praise even when they have done an excellent job.
Examples in context
- 完璧だった。It was perfect!This sentence shows how to use 完璧 to express that something was perfect.Tatoeba #13216308 by small_snow, translation #1329710 by ddnktr
- トムは完璧な息子だ。Tom is the perfect son.This sentence uses the adjective form 完璧な to describe a person.Tatoeba #1488022 by bunbuku, translation #1024818 by CK
- 我ながら、完璧だね。It's perfect, if I do say so myself.This sentence demonstrates using 完璧 to describe a state of being perfect.Tatoeba #10617536 by small_snow, translation #8553927 by CK
- 「彼女の演技は完璧だった」Her performance was perfect.
- 「プロジェクトを無駄なく完璧に遂行しました」We carried out the project perfectly without any waste.
- 「試験、ばっちり合格しましたよ！」I aced the exam!
- 「このTシャツ、サイズがピッタリだね！」This T-shirt is the perfect size!
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing the presentation Kenta prepared.
- 健太 Kenta準備は完璧ですか？Junbi wa kanpeki desu ka?Is the preparation perfect?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、完璧です。Hai, kanpeki desu.Yes, it is perfect.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんの助けのおかげですね。Misaki-san no tasuke no okage desu ne.It is thanks to your help, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiそう言ってもらえて嬉しいです。Sou itte moraete ureshii desu.I am happy to hear you say that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 完璧, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 完璧, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
