完璧
kampeki[kã̠mpe̞kʲi]
In Japanese, perfection can be translated in several ways depending on the context, with 完璧 (kampeki) being the default form. Wiktionary also lists 完全 (kanzen) and 万全 (banzen).
Meaning: being perfect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 完璧 | kampeki | [kã̠mpe̞kʲi] (narrow) |
| 完全 | kanzen | [kã̠nd͡zẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 万全 | banzen | [bã̠nd͡zẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
While the English word "perfection" is broad, Japanese uses different terms to describe being flawless, being whole or being prepared. 完璧 refers to a state of being flawless, faultless or immaculate. 完全 focuses on completeness, entirety or being absolute. 万全 is used to describe perfection in terms of preparedness or readiness, often to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Which one should you use?
完璧 describes a state of being flawless or without defects. In contrast, 完全 focuses more on being complete, whole or absolute.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 完璧 as an adjective to modify a noun, you must add な, as in 完璧な計画 (a perfect plan). To use 完全 as an adverb, you add に, as in 完全に理解した (understood completely).
How do you pronounce it?
kampeki
Did you know?
- The characters in 完璧 actually refer to a piece of jade that was returned to its original owner without a single scratch. It comes from a historical legend about a precious stone that was stolen and later restored in its pristine state.
- In Japanese, describing a person as 完璧 can sometimes be perceived as a critique, suggesting they are cold or lack human warmth because they have no flaws.
- The term 万全 contains the character for 'ten thousand' (万), which is used here to represent an infinite or vast number. This implies that 'perfection' in preparedness means having prepared for ten thousand different possibilities.
Examples in context
- 完璧というのはちょっと退屈なものなのである。Perfection is a trifle dull.This sentence uses 完璧 to discuss the nature of perfection.Tatoeba #183959 by tommy__san, translation #21084 by helloroto
- 商品の品質には万全を期しておりますが、万一商品が破損・汚損していた場合、またはご注文と異なる場合は、お届け後7日以内にご連絡ください。We strive for perfection in our products. In the rare case that there is breakage, staining or the order is incorrect, please contact us within seven days of the product's arrival.This sentence uses 万全 to describe striving for perfection in product quality.Tatoeba #3313648 by tommy_san, translation #4644572 by corbinjurgens
- 完全主義者は完全を目指す。Perfectionists seek perfection.This sentence uses 完全 to describe the goal of a perfectionist.
- 彼の演技は完璧だ。His performance is perfect.
- 彼女の料理は至高の味だ。Her cooking is perfection itself.
- 彼の才能は無上です。His talent is unparalleled.
- この計画は完全な成功だった。This plan was a perfect success.
- その服、君にピッタリだね。That outfit suits you perfectly.
- ご提案は完璧でございます。Your proposal is perfect.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are discussing a project report.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのレポート、もう完璧だよ。Kono repōto, mō kanpeki dayo.This report is already perfection.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に？間違いはないかな？Hontō ni? Machigai wa nai kana?Really? I wonder if there are any mistakes.
- 大翔 Hirotoああ、完璧に仕上げたから大丈夫だ。Aa, kanpeki ni shigeta kara daijōbu da.Yeah, I finished it to perfection, so it's fine.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔がそう言うなら安心ね。Hiroto ga sō iu nara anshin ne.If you say so, Hiroto, I'm relieved.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “perfection” translations and entries 完璧, 完全, 万全, 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, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
