Translation and Meaning of: 美しい - utsukushii
If you are studying Japanese, you have probably come across the word 美しい (うつくしい), which means "beautiful" or "charming." But do you know how it originated, how it is used in everyday life, or even how to memorize it effectively? In this article, we will explore the etymology, usage, and even curiosities about this expression so present in Japanese culture. Additionally, you will learn how to write the kanji correctly and some tips to fix this word in your vocabulary. If you use Anki or another spaced repetition method, get ready to jot down practical examples!
The origin and etymology of 美しい
The word 美しい has deep roots in the Japanese language, and its kanji, 美, is composed of two elements: 羊 (sheep) and 大 (big). Why would a big sheep be associated with beauty? In ancient China, where the character originated, big sheep were considered symbols of prosperity and harmony, attributes that naturally relate to the concept of beauty. Over time, the ideogram was incorporated into Japanese with the same aesthetic meaning.
Interestingly, the reading うつくしい (utsukushii) is one of the many Japanese words that carry an almost poetic sound. Some linguists suggest that the ending "shii" is common in adjectives that describe subjective qualities, such as 楽しい (tanoshii - fun) and 悲しい (kanashii - sad). Do you notice how the Japanese language has its own musicalities?
Lies in everyday life and cultural nuances
Unlike Portuguese, where "bonito" can be used in a more casual way, 美しい carries a more elevated, almost lyrical tone. You would hardly use it to compliment a new pair of shoes, but rather to describe a stunning landscape, a work of art, or even an act of kindness. It is the type of word that appears in poems, songs, and formal speeches, giving an air of sophistication to what is said.
A valuable tip: the Japanese often use 美しい for things that have a pure, almost untouched beauty. Have you noticed how cherry blossoms (桜) are often described this way? There is even a specific term, 花見 (hanami), for the tradition of appreciating their fleeting beauty. If you want to impress a native, try saying "桜が美しいですね" (sakura ga utsukushii desu ne) next spring!
Tips for memorization and writing
If you have difficulty remembering how to write the kanji 美, try associating it with the image of a "big sheep" (羊 + 大). It may seem silly, but our brains love visual stories! Another technique is to create flashcards with images of things you truly consider beautiful - whether it's a sunset, a zen garden, or even your favorite well-arranged sushi dish. Emotion helps to reinforce vocabulary.
And be careful of the trap: do not confuse 美しい (utsukushii) with きれい (kirei), which also means "pretty" but is used more in everyday situations. While kirei can describe anything from a tidy room to a dress, utsukushii is reserved for something truly beautiful in a deeper sense. How about practicing by making two sentences, one with each word? That way, you'll never mix them up again!
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 美しく (Utsukushiku) - Beautiful, nice
- 美麗な (Bireina) - Extremely beautiful, attractive
- 艶やかな (Ayanakana) - Brilliant, seductive
- 華麗な (Kareina) - Magnificent, splendid
- 麗しい (Uruwashii) - Beautiful, charming
- 優美な (Yubi na) - Funny, elegant
- 洒落た (Shareta) - Stylish, sophisticated
- 上品な (Joihin na) - Refined, elegant
- 優雅な (Yūgana) - Elegant, graceful
- 高貴な (Kōkina) - Noble, dignified
Related words
Romaji: utsukushii
Kana: うつくしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: beautiful; charming
Meaning in English: beautiful;lovely
Definition: Something that looks beautiful in appearance and shape.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
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- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (美しい) utsukushii
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (美しい) utsukushii:
Example Sentences - (美しい) utsukushii
See below some example sentences:
Kono kaiga no kanshoku wa totemo utsukushii desu
The feel of this frame is very beautiful.
The feel of this painting is very beautiful.
- この - indicates "this" or "this one"
- 絵画 - means "painting" or "picture"
- の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
- 感触 - means "tactile sensation" or "texture"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- とても - adverb meaning "very"
- 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
- です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating the polite or formal form
Kono kabin wa utsukushii desu ne
this vase is beautiful
This vase is beautiful.
- この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
- 花瓶 - means "flower vase"
- は - topic particle, indicates that what comes after is the subject of the sentence
- 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form
- ね - ending particle indicating confirmation or a search for agreement
Kono keiyō dōshi wa totemo utsukushii desu
This adjective is very beautiful.
This adjective verb is very beautiful.
- この - this
- 形容動詞 - descriptive adjective
- は - Topic particle
- とても - very
- 美しい - beautiful
- です - is (polite way of putting it)
Kukkiri to shita rinkaku ga utsukushii
A clear and sharp contour is beautiful.
The clear sketch is beautiful.
- くっきりとした - "clear" or "clear"
- 輪郭 - "contour" or "profile"
- 美しい - "handsome" or "beautiful"
Afurika wa utsukushii tairiku desu
Africa is a beautiful continent.
Africa is a beautiful continent.
- アフリカ - Africa
- は - Topic particle
- 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
- 大陸 - continent
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Annani utsukushii hana ga saite iru
So beautiful flowers are blooming.
Such beautiful flowers are blooming.
- あんなに - word in Japanese that means "so"
- 美しい - Japanese adjective meaning "beautiful"
- 花 - noun in Japanese that means "flower"
- が - Particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 咲いている - verb in Japanese that means "to bloom" in the present continuous
O rugan no neiro wa utsukushii desu
The sound of the organ is beautiful.
The organ tone is beautiful.
- オルガン - organ
- の - Possession particle
- 音色 - timbre, sound quality
- は - Topic particle
- 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Kono burōchi wa totemo utsukushii desu
This brooch is very beautiful.
This brooch is very beautiful.
- この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
- ブローチ - noun "brooch"
- は - Topic particle
- とても - adverb "very"
- 美しい - adjective "beautiful"
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form
Kono eizou wa utsukushii desu
This image is beautiful.
This video is beautiful.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
- 映像 - noun meaning "image"
- は - Topic particle
- 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form
Kono machi wa totemo utsukushii desu
This city is very beautiful.
- この - demonstrative indicating proximity, in this case "this"
- 街 - noun meaning "city"
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the city"
- とても - adverb meaning "very"
- 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful"
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form