かっこいい
Kakkoii
The English phrase "that is cool" can be translated into Japanese as かっこいい (Kakkoii).
かっこいい is used to express that someone or something is cool. It is a versatile term that can describe both people, in the sense of being handsome or stylish and inanimate objects or actions, in the sense of being cool or impressive.
Which one should you use?
While Kakkoii is used to specifically indicate that someone or something is cool, the term Sugoi is a popular and versatile way to say "cool" in a more general sense. Additionally, Sugoi desu ne is a formal way to express astonishment, translating to "That's amazing, isn't it?"
How do you pronounce it?
Kakkoii
Did you know?
- The word かっこいい is a combination of かっこう, meaning 'appearance' or 'shape', and いい, meaning 'good'. This literally translates to 'having a good shape'.
- While it can mean 'cool' in an aesthetic sense, using かっこいい to describe a person's behavior can imply they are acting in a way that is principled or honorable.
- If you find yourself in a very formal setting, like a business meeting, using かっこいい to praise a superior's idea might actually sound too casual or even slightly disrespectful.
Examples in context
- あの車、かっこいいですね。Ano kuruma, kakkoii desu ne.That car is cool, isn't it?
- 新しい髪型、かっこいい！Atarashii kamigata, kakkoii!Your new hairstyle is cool!
- 彼はとてもかっこいいです。Kare wa totemo kakkoii desu.He is very cool.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a fashion magazine together.
- 美咲 Misakiこのモデル、かっこいいね。Kono moderu, kakkoii ne.This model is cool, isn't he?
- 健太 Kenta本当に、かっこいいと思うよ。Hontou ni, kakkoii to omou yo.Truly, I think he is cool.
- 美咲 Misaki健太も、かっこいいスタイルだね。Kenta mo, kakkoii sutairu da ne.Kenta, you have a cool style too.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、照れるなあ。Arigatou, tereru naa.Thanks, I'm blushing.
