とても綺麗だよ
totemo kirei da yo
The English phrase "you're very pretty" is translated into Japanese as とても綺麗だよ (totemo kirei da yo).
This phrase is used as a compliment to tell someone that they are physically attractive. In Japanese, the subject "you" (anata) is often omitted because it is implied by the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of totemo (very), kirei (beautiful/pretty), da (is) and yo (an emphasis particle).
Which one should you use?
While kirei (綺麗) emphasizes elegance and beauty, the related term kawaii (可愛い) emphasizes cuteness or charm.
How do you pronounce it?
totemo kirei da yo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often include anata (you) at the start of the phrase, but using anata can sound unnatural or overly direct in Japanese. It is better to omit it.
Did you know?
- The word kirei is a homophone that can also mean 'clean' or 'tidy'. Using it to describe a person might imply they look neat and well-groomed rather than just physically attractive.
- In Japanese culture, excessive direct compliments can sometimes make the recipient feel uncomfortable or shy. Often, a person might react with modesty or even a slight denial rather than a simple 'thank you'.
- The kanji for kirei (綺麗) contains characters that originally referred to 'pure' and 'bright', linking beauty to a sense of luminosity and clarity.
Examples in context
- 君はとても綺麗だよ。Kimi wa totemo kirei dayo.You are very pretty.
- 今日の君はとても綺麗だよ。Kyō no kimi wa totemo kirei dayo.You are very pretty today.
- ドレスを着た君はとても綺麗だよ。Doresu o kita kimi wa totemo kirei dayo.You look very pretty in that dress.
Example conversation
A man compliments a woman at a restaurant.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、とても綺麗だよ。Misaki, totemo kirei dayo.Misaki, you're very pretty.
- 美咲 Misaki本当？嬉しい！Hontō? Ureshii!Really? I'm so happy!
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に、とても綺麗だよ。Hontō ni, totemo kirei dayo.Truly, you are very pretty.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、大翔さん。Arigatō, Hiroto-san.Thank you, Hiroto.
