かっこいい
kakkoii
The English phrase "you're handsome" is translated into Japanese as かっこいい (kakkoii).
かっこいい is a compliment used to tell a man that he is physically attractive or stylish. Beyond describing people, it is also used to describe things that are cool, stylish or impressive, such as a car or a performance.
Which one should you use?
While かっこいい describes a quality of being cool or stylish, the slang term イケメン is used specifically to refer to a man who is conventionally handsome.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding です to the end of かっこいい to form かっこいいです makes the compliment polite and suitable for speaking to someone you are not close with.
How do you pronounce it?
kakkoii
When do people say it?
The word ハンサム is borrowed from English and is used widely across Japan to complement someone's appearance. Additionally, the term イケメン can be translated as "good-looking guy" and is popular among young people.
Did you know?
- The term イケメン is a portmanteau of the verb いける, meaning 'good enough' or 'acceptable', and メン, from the English word 'men'.
- In Japanese culture, it is common to respond to a compliment like かっこいいです with a humble denial or a shy laugh rather than a simple 'thank you'.
- The word かっこいい is a combination of かっこう, meaning 'appearance' or 'figure', and いい, meaning 'good'.
Examples in context
- 先生: そのスーツ、とてもかっこいいですね。Teacher: That suit looks very handsome on you.
- 彼女: 君は本当に美男子だから、人気があるんだよ。Girlfriend: You are really handsome, and that's why you are so popular.
- 彼はとてもかっこいいです。Kare wa totemo kakkoii desu.He is very handsome.
- あの俳優はかっこいいですね。Ano haiyu wa kakkoii desu ne.That actor is handsome, isn't he?
- 新しい髪型、かっこいいよ！Atarashii kamigata, kakkoii yo!Your new hairstyle is stylish!
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are meeting for a date.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さん、かっこいいですね！Ren-san, kakkoii desu ne!Ren, you're so handsome!
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 美咲 Misaki今日の服もかっこいいです。Kyou no fuku mo kakkoii desu.Your clothes today are also stylish.
- 蓮 Ren嬉しいです。Ureshii desu.I'm happy to hear that.
