美男子
bidanshi[bʲidã̠ɰ̃ɕi]
The English phrase 'pretty boy' translates to Japanese as 美男子 (bidanshi).
Meaning: Translations (noun)
Which one should you use?
美少年 refers to a young man with aesthetically pleasing and feminine features, whereas the slang term イケメン is a common way to describe an attractive or good-looking guy.
How do you pronounce it?
bidanshi
Did you know?
- The term イケメン is a portmanteau of いける meaning 'good' or 'acceptable' and メン from the English word 'men'.
- The concept of 'bi' (美) used in this phrase shares its roots with the idea of 'virtue' in classical Chinese philosophy, where beauty and goodness were often linked.
- In modern Japanese pop culture, the 'pretty boy' aesthetic is often linked to the 'visual kei' music movement, where musicians use elaborate makeup and costumes to achieve an androgynous look.
Examples in context
- 昨日、会議に出席したイケメン社員を見ました。Yesterday, I saw a pretty boy employee attending the meeting.
- 彼は美男子として有名です。Kare wa bidanshi to shite yūmei desu.He is famous as a pretty boy.
Example conversation
Himari and Daisho are looking at a photo of a famous actor.
- 陽葵 Himariこの俳優はすごい美男子だね。Kono haiyū wa sugoi bidanshi da ne.This actor is such a pretty boy.
- 大翔 Hiroto確かに、とても整った顔立ちだね。Tashika ni, totemo totonotta kaodachi da ne.True, he has very well-balanced features.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くんも美男子になれるよ。Daisho-kun mo bidanshi ni nareru yo.You can be a pretty boy too, Daisho.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは無理だと思うよ。Sore wa muri da to omou yo.I think that's impossible.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 美男子, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 美男子, CC BY-SA 4.0.
