魅力的
miryokuteki
The Japanese phrase for "someone is attractive" is 魅力的 (miryokuteki).
魅力的 is a versatile term used to describe someone who has qualities that draw others to them. This can refer to a person's physical appearance or their personality and character.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a plain, declarative sentence, you complete the predicate by adding だ (da) to the word, forming 魅力的だ. To make the phrase polite, use 魅力的です instead of the plain form. If you wish to use the word as an adjective directly before a noun, such as "an attractive person", use the form 魅力的な人.
How do you pronounce it?
miryokuteki
Did you know?
- The kanji 魅 in 魅力的 is also used in the word for 'demon' or 'spirit', reflecting an ancient belief that attraction was a form of supernatural bewitchment.
- While 魅力的 describes a general draw, the word 色気 (iroke) specifically denotes a 'sensual' or 'erotic' attractiveness. Using 色気 instead of 魅力的 shifts the compliment from someone's personality to their sexual allure.
- The term かっこいい (kakkoii) literally translates to 'having a good shape'. This reveals that Japanese conceptualizes 'cool' or 'attractive' physical appearance through the lens of form and silhouette.
Examples in context
- 彼女はとても魅力的です。Kanojo wa totemo miryokuteki desu.She is very attractive.
- あの俳優は魅力的な声をしている。Ano haiyu wa miryokuteki na koe o shite iru.That actor has an attractive voice.
- 彼の性格はとても魅力的だ。Kare no seikaku wa totemo miryokuteki da.His personality is very attractive.
Example conversation
Daito and Himari are talking about a new colleague.
- 大翔 Hiroto新しい同僚はどうだった？Atarashii douryou wa dou datta?How was the new colleague?
- 陽葵 Himariとても魅力的で、話しやすい人だったよ。Totemo miryokuteki de, hanashiyasui hito datta yo.They were very attractive and easy to talk to.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは良かった。明日会うのが楽しみだね。Sore wa yokatta. Ashita au no ga tanoshimi da ne.That's good. I'm looking forward to meeting them tomorrow.
- 陽葵 Himariうん、大翔くんもきっと気に入ると思うよ。Un, Daito-kun mo kitto kiniiru to omou yo.Yeah, I'm sure you'll like them too, Daito.
