あなたは美しいです
anata wa utsukushii desu
The English phrase "you are beautiful" is translated into Japanese as あなたは美しいです (anata wa utsukushii desu).
This phrase is used to compliment someone on being physically or spiritually attractive. In natural Japanese conversation, the subject anata (you) is often omitted if it is clear who is being spoken to, as using anata can sometimes feel overly direct or distant.
Which one should you use?
The adjective in this phrase, 美しい (utsukushii), implies a profound, aesthetic or sublime beauty. This differs from the more common, versatile word きれい (kirei), which is used for 'pretty', 'beautiful' or even 'clean'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 美しい is an i-adjective, meaning it can be used to modify nouns directly, such as 美しい人 (utsukushii hito) for 'beautiful person'.
How do you pronounce it?
anata wa utsukushii desu
Did you know?
- The term 美しい (utsukushii) shares a linguistic root with words relating to 'shining' or 'brightness' in ancient Japanese. This links the concept of beauty to the idea of light reflecting off a surface.
- When responding to あなたは美しいです, a common cultural reaction is to deny the compliment by saying いえいえ (ie ie) or 'no no'. Accepting a compliment too readily can be seen as lacking modesty.
- The word 美しい (utsukushii) is frequently used in Japanese to describe the 'beauty' of a mathematical proof or a well-executed sports play. It describes a sense of harmony and perfection that transcends physical appearance.
Example conversation
Kenta compliments Himari at a formal party.
- 健太 Kenta今日の陽葵さんは本当に素敵ですね。Kyō no Himari-san wa hontō ni suteki desu ne.You look really lovely today, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 健太 Kentaあなたは美しいです。Anata wa utsukushii desu.You are beautiful.
- 陽葵 Himariそんなことを言われるなんて嬉しいです。Sonna koto o iwareru nante ureshii desu.I'm happy to be told that.
