目が綺麗ですね
me ga kirei desu ne
The English phrase "you have beautiful eyes" is translated into Japanese as 目が綺麗ですね (me ga kirei desu ne).
In Japanese, the word for "you" is often omitted when the context makes it clear who is being spoken to. The word キレイ (kirei) used in this context means beautiful, though it can also mean clean or pure.
Meaning: you have beautiful eyes (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the following parts: 目 (me) means eye or eyes. 綺麗 (kirei) means beautiful or clean.
How does it change in a sentence?
The sentence ends with ですね (desu ne), which functions as "is, isn't it?" Adding this ending provides a soft, seeking-agreement tone, making the compliment sound more natural and conversational.
How do you pronounce it?
me ga kirei desu ne
What mistakes should you avoid?
While the word 美しい (utsukushii) also means beautiful, 綺麗 (kirei) is much more common and natural for everyday compliments regarding physical features like eyes.
Did you know?
- Japanese culture historically values 'small' eyes as a sign of intelligence or maturity, meaning 綺麗 (beautiful) does not always imply the Western ideal of large eyes.
- While 綺麗 means 'beautiful', it originates from the words for 'cut' and 'clear'. This is why it can describe both a stunning face and a neatly cleaned room.
- While English speakers often use 'you' to direct a compliment, saying あなた (anata) in this Japanese phrase can actually make the sentence feel distant or even confrontational.
Examples in context
- 目が綺麗ですね。Me ga kirei desu ne.You have beautiful eyes.
- 彼女は目が綺麗ですね。Kanojo wa me ga kirei desu ne.She has beautiful eyes, doesn't she?
- 本当に目が綺麗ですね。Hontou ni me ga kirei desu ne.You really have beautiful eyes.
Example conversation
Misaki compliments Ren during a quiet evening walk.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんは目が綺麗ですね。Ren-san wa me ga kirei desu ne.Ren, you have beautiful eyes.
- 蓮 Ren本当ですか？嬉しいです。Hontou desu ka? Ureshii desu.Really? I'm happy to hear that.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、とても素敵ですよ。Hai, totemo suteki desu yo.Yes, they are very lovely.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんに褒められて光栄です。Misaki-san ni homerarete kouei desu.I am honored to be complimented by you, Misaki.
