きれい
kirei
The Japanese phrase for "something is pretty" is きれい (kirei).
きれい is used to describe something that is visually attractive or pleasing to look at. Depending on the context, it can also mean "clean".
Which one should you use?
While きれい means pretty or beautiful, it can also mean "clean" depending on the situation. For more intense or profound beauty, such as natural scenery or art, the word 美しい (utsukushii) is used. For something small and adorable, 可愛い (kawaii) is preferred, while かっこいい (kakkoii) is used for something cool, stylish or pretty in a unique way.
How does it change in a sentence?
きれい is a na-adjective. To modify a noun directly, use the form きれいな. In plain or informal speech, you can follow it with だ to say きれいだ (is pretty). In polite speech, use です to say きれいです (is pretty).
How do you pronounce it?
kirei
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because of the final "i" sound, English speakers often mistake きれい for an i-adjective. However, it is actually a na-adjective.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, saying きれいごと (kireigoto) refers to 'pretty words' that are idealistic but unrealistic or insincere.
- While きれい can mean 'pretty' or 'clean', it is also used to describe a 'clean' break or a 'clear' win in sports and competition.
- In Japanese, calling a person きれい often implies a sophisticated, mature beauty, whereas calling them 可愛い focuses on cuteness.
Examples in context
- その花はきれいです。The flower is pretty.
- 日本の伝統的な庭園は美しいです。Traditional Japanese gardens are beautiful.
- その子犬はとてもかわいいですね！That puppy is very cute!
- 彼のアートはすごくかっこいい。His art is really cool.
- あのおばあさん、本当に美人やで。That old lady is truly beautiful.
- この花はとてもきれいですね。Kono hana wa totemo kirei desu ne.This flower is very pretty, isn't it?
- きれいな景色を見たいです。Kirei na keshiki o mitai desu.I want to see a pretty view.
- 空がとてもきれいですよ。Sora ga totemo kirei desu yo.The sky is very pretty.
Example conversation
Daigo and Yui are looking at a sunset together.
- 大翔 Hiroto見て、空がとてもきれいだよ。Mite, sora ga totemo kirei dayo.Look, the sky is very pretty.
- 結衣 Yui本当だね。色がすごくきれい。Hontō dane. Iro ga sugoku kirei.You're right. The colors are so pretty.
- 大翔 Hiroto写真を撮ってもいい？Shashin o totte mo ii?Can I take a photo?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、いいよ。大翔、撮って。Un, ii yo. Daigo, totte.Yeah, go ahead. Daigo, take it.
