すごくかっこいい
sugoku kakkoii
To say "you're so handsome" in Japanese, use すごくかっこいい (sugoku kakkoii).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell a man that he is very attractive. While the term かっこいい specifically describes someone being cool or good-looking, it is also used to describe a person's actions, style or personality as being admirable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sugoku, meaning very or extremely and かっこいい, meaning cool or good-looking.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form すごくかっこいい is informal and is best used with friends, peers or someone younger. For a more polite version suitable for someone you are not close with, you can use すごくかっこいいです.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the compliment polite, you can add です to the end of the phrase to create すごくかっこいいです.
How do you pronounce it?
sugoku kakkoii
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often attempt to use the loanword ハンサム, but かっこいい is much more natural and common in daily Japanese conversation.
Did you know?
- In Japan, it is common to avoid using the word 'you' when giving a compliment. Instead, people often omit the subject entirely or use the person's name.
- Giving a direct compliment like すごくかっこいい can sometimes be met with a humble denial, such as そんなことない meaning 'that is not the case'.
- Japanese has a specific term, イケメン, which combines 'cool' and 'men'. It functions as a noun meaning 'a handsome man' rather than an adjective.
Examples in context
- 田中さん、とてもハンサムですね。Mr. Tanaka, you're very handsome, aren't you?
- 先輩、すごくハンサムだね。Senpai, you're really handsome, huh?
- すごくかっこいいです。Sugoku kakkoii desu.You are so handsome.
- 彼はすごくかっこいいよね。Kare wa sugoku kakkoii yo ne.He is so handsome, isn't he?
Example conversation
Yui is complimenting Hiroto on his new haircut.
- 結衣 Yui髪切ったね。すごくかっこいい！Kami kitta ne. Sugoku kakkoii!You got a haircut. You're so handsome!
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に？ありがとう。Hontō ni? Arigatō.Really? Thank you.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、すごく似合ってるよ。Un, sugoku niatteru yo.Yeah, it suits you really well.
- 大翔 Hirotoそう言ってもらえて嬉しいよ。Sō itte moraete ureshii yo.I'm happy to hear you say that.
