綺麗
kirei[kʲiɾe̞ː]
In Japanese, the phrase for something is beautiful is 綺麗 (kirei).
The term 綺麗 is used to describe something that is visually pleasing or clean.
Which one should you use?
While 綺麗 is a common term used in everyday casual conversations, other forms offer different nuances. 美しい is a straightforward and versatile expression used in formal or polite contexts. For a more elegant and refined sense of beauty, especially in written or literary contexts, 麗しい is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on how you use the word in a sentence, the form changes. To form a complete sentence in informal speech, 綺麗 is often followed by the copula 綺麗だ. In polite speech, it is followed by 綺麗です. When you want to modify a noun directly, you must add な, such as in 綺麗な花 (a beautiful flower).
How do you pronounce it?
kirei
Did you know?
- The term 綺麗 can be used ironically to describe a 'pretty' excuse or a 'clean' lie that is too perfect to be true.
- In Japanese, the word 綺麗 can be used to describe a person's voice or a clear sound, even though the word literally relates to visual beauty.
- The word 綺麗 originated from written Chinese characters, where it was used to describe elegance and splendor.
Examples in context
- 春の桜は美しいです。The cherry blossoms in spring are beautiful.
- 着物姿の彼女は麗しいです。She looks beautiful in a kimono.
- その絵本は綺麗だね。That picture book is beautiful, isn't it?
- あの花はきれいな色だ。That flower has a beautiful color.
- この子猫は美しくて可愛らしい。This kitten is beautiful and cute.
- 昨夜の花火はとても美しかった！Last night's fireworks were incredibly beautiful!
- この庭は綺麗やないか？Isn't this garden beautiful?
- この部屋はとても綺麗ですね。Kono heya wa totemo kirei desu ne.This room is very clean/beautiful, isn't it?
- 綺麗な景色ですね。Kirei na keshiki desu ne.It is a beautiful view.
- 空が綺麗です。Sora ga kirei desu.The sky is beautiful.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are looking at the sea from a balcony.
- 美咲 Misaki海がすごく綺麗だよ。Umi ga sugoku kirei da yo.The sea is so beautiful.
- 蓮 Ren本当だね。綺麗だね。Hontou da ne. Kirei da ne.You're right. It's beautiful.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんは、景色を見るのが好き？Ren-san wa, keshiki o miru no ga suki?Ren, do you like looking at scenery?
- 蓮 Renうん、大好きだよ。Un, daisuki da yo.Yeah, I love it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 綺麗, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 綺麗, CC BY-SA 4.0.
