綺麗ですね
kirei desu ne
The English phrase "you look pretty" can be said in Japanese as 綺麗ですね (kirei desu ne).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically attractive or beautiful. In Japanese, the word for 'you' is often omitted when speaking directly to someone, making 綺麗ですね a natural way to express this sentiment without being overly blunt.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 綺麗 (kirei) can mean both 'pretty/beautiful' and 'clean/tidy' depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
While 綺麗ですね is a standard polite way to compliment someone, simply saying 綺麗 is much more casual. The latter should only be used with close friends or much younger people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ね (ne) at the end of 綺麗ですね functions like 'isn't it?' or 'don't you think?', which is used to seek agreement or to soften the statement.
How do you pronounce it?
kirei desu ne
Did you know?
- When receiving the compliment 綺麗ですね, a traditional Japanese response is to modestly deny it by saying いいえ ('no') or waving one's hand.
- In Japan, complimenting a stranger's appearance with 綺麗ですね can sometimes be perceived as a 'pick-up line' rather than a polite observation.
- The word 綺麗 is written with a kanji that historically relates to 'splendor' or 'brightness', adding an extra layer of 'shining' to the meaning of pretty.
Examples in context
- 今日は綺麗ですね。Kyou wa kirei desu ne.You look pretty today.
Example conversation
A man compliments a woman on her appearance at a party.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんは、今日とても綺麗ですね。Himari-san wa, kyou totemo kirei desu ne.Himari, you look very pretty today.
- 陽葵 Himari本当ですか？嬉しいです。Hontou desu ka? Ureshii desu.Really? I'm happy to hear that.
- 大翔 Hirotoとてもよく似合っていますよ。Totemo yoku niatte imasu yo.It suits you very well.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます、大翔さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Hiroto-san.Thank you, Hiroto.
