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

美しい

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.

Example Sentences - (美しい) utsukushii

See below some example sentences:

この池はとても美しいです。

Kono ike wa totemo utsukushii desu

This lake is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 池 - noun that means "lake"
• は - topic particle indicating that the lake is the theme of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この着物の模様は美しいですね。

Kono kimono no moyou wa utsukushii desu ne

The pattern of this kimono is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 着物 - The word that means "kimono," a traditional Japanese garment.
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 模様 - word that means "pattern" or "design"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates courtesy or formality
• ね - particle that indicates confirmation or agreement

この看板はとても美しいです。

Kono kanban wa totemo utsukushii desu

This sign is very beautiful.

This signal is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 看板 - noun meaning "sign" or "poster"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this license plate"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the present tense

「この祭壇はとても美しいです」

Kono saidan wa totemo utsukushii desu

This altar is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 祭壇 - noun meaning "altar"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this altar"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この館はとても美しいです。

Kono yakata wa totemo utsukushii desu

This mansion is very beautiful.

This hall is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 館 - noun meaning "building"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この館は美しいです。

Kono yakata wa utsukushii desu

This mansion is beautiful.

This hall is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 館 - noun meaning "building"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

この首飾りは美しいですね。

Kono kubikazari wa utsukushii desu ne

This choker is beautiful

This necklace is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 首飾り - noun meaning "glue"
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• ね - ending particle indicating confirmation or a search for agreement

この場所はとても美しいです。

Kono basho wa totemo utsukushii desu

This place is very beautiful.

• この場所 - this place
• は - wa (topic particle)
• とても - totemo (muito)
• 美しい - utsukushii (bonito)
• です - is (verb to be in the present)

この曲はとても美しいです。

Kono kyoku wa totemo utsukushii desu

This song is very beautiful.

This song is very beautiful.

• この曲 - "kono kyoku" means "this music"
• は - "wa" is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• とても - "totemo" means "very"
• 美しい - "utsukushii" means "beautiful".
• です - "desu" is a polite form of saying "to be" or "to exist"

この棟はとても美しいです。

Kono mune wa totemo utsukushii desu

This construction is very beautiful.

This building is very beautiful.

• この棟 - "kono mune" - This building
• は - wa- Topic particle
• とても - totem - Very
• 美しい - "utsukushii" - pretty
• です - desu - Ser/estar (polite form)