今日はとても綺麗ですね
kyō wa totemo kirei desu ne
The English phrase "you look beautiful today" is translated into Japanese as 今日はとても綺麗ですね (kyō wa totemo kirei desu ne).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that their appearance is attractive on a particular day. In Japanese, the word for "you" is often omitted when the context makes it clear who is being spoken to.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 今日 (kyō) means "today".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more informal version used with friends or family, you can say 綺麗だね.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending ですね (desu ne) adds a polite tone and seeks the listener's agreement, similar to saying "isn't it?" in English.
How do you pronounce it?
kyō wa totemo kirei desu ne
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is common to respond to a compliment like 綺麗ですね by modestly denying it, often by saying いいえ (no) or waving one's hand.
- The word 綺麗 (kirei) can also mean 'clean' or 'tidy'. Depending on the context, you might accidentally be telling someone they look 'clean' rather than 'beautiful'.
- In Japan, giving direct compliments on physical appearance to strangers can sometimes be perceived as flirtatious or even suspicious rather than just friendly.
Examples in context
- 本日は大変お美しいですね。You look very beautiful today.
- 今日はすごくきれいだね。You look really beautiful today.
- 今日のあなたはめちゃくちゃきれい！You look incredibly beautiful today!
- 今日はめっちゃキレイやで！You look really beautiful today!
- ドレス姿、今日はとても綺麗ですね。Doresu sugata, kyou wa totemo kirei desu ne.In that dress, you look very beautiful today.
- 笑顔が素敵で、今日はとても綺麗ですね。Egao ga suteki de, kyou wa totemo kirei desu ne.Your smile is lovely, and you look very beautiful today.
Example conversation
Kenta compliments Yui during a date at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui健太さん、お待たせしました。Kenta-san, omatase shimashita.Kenta, sorry to keep you waiting.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんは、今日はとても綺麗ですね。Yui-san wa, kyou wa totemo kirei desu ne.Yui, you look very beautiful today.
- 結衣 Yui本当ですか？嬉しいです！Hontou desu ka? Ureshii desu!Really? I'm so happy!
- 健太 Kenta本当に、とても素敵ですよ。Hontou ni, totemo suteki desu yo.Truly, you look wonderful.
