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

ハンサム

hansamu

beautiful

好い

yoi

good

優美

yuubi

grace; refinement; elegance

美

beauty

美人

bijin

beautiful person (female)

映える

haeru

shine; look attractive; look beautiful

素敵

suteki

adorable; dreamer; beautiful; great; fantastic; superb; cool; awesome

奇麗

kirei

beautiful; clean; good; Tidy; beautiful; fair

極めて

kiwamete

overly; extremely

絹

kinu

silk

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.

Quick Access
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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:

デコレーションがとても美しいです。

Dekorēshon ga totemo utsukushii desu

The decoration is very beautiful.

デコレーション (dekoreeshon) - decoration
が (ga) - subject particle
とても (totemo) - very
美しい (utsukushii) - beautiful
です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

スターは美しいです。

Sutā wa utsukushii desu

The stars are beautiful.

The star is beautiful.

スター (suta-) - star
は (wa) - Topic particle
美しい (utsukushii) - beautiful
です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

その花の色は鮮やかで美しいです。

sono hana no iro wa azayaka de utsukushii desu

The color of that flower is vibrant and beautiful.

The color of the flower is bright and beautiful.

その - demonstrative pronoun meaning "that"
花 - noun meaning "flower"
の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
色 - noun that means "color"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
鮮やか - adjective that means "vibrant" or "intense"
で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - verb indicating the polite or formal form of the present tense

この川の流れはとても美しいです。

Kono kawa no nagare wa totemo utsukushii desu

The current of this river is very beautiful.

The flow of this river is very beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
川 - noun meaning "river"
の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
流れ - noun that means "flow" or "current"
は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
とても - adverb meaning "very"
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - linking verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the present

この店の陳列はとても美しいです。

Kono mise no chinretsu wa totemo utsukushii desu

The display of this store is very beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
店 - noun that means "store" or "commercial establishment"
の - particle that indicates possession, in this case "of the store"
陳列 - noun that means "exhibition" or "disposition of products in a store"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "the exhibition"
とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - verb that indicates the polite and courteous way of affirming something, in this case "is"

この文章の文体はとても美しいです。

Kono bunshou no buntai wa totemo utsukushii desu

The writing of this text is very beautiful.

The style of this sentence is very beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
文章 - noun meaning "text" or "written"
の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
文体 - noun meaning "writing style" or "literary style"
は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - verb ser/estar in the present, used to indicate formality and courtesy in the Japanese language

この本の表紙は美しいです。

Kono hon no hyōshi wa utsukushii desu

The cover of this book is beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
本 - noun meaning "book"
の - particle that indicates ownership, in this case, "of the book"
表紙 - noun meaning "cover (of a book)"
は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the cover"
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject, in this case, "is"

この部屋の装飾は美しいです。

Kono heya no sōshoku wa utsukushii desu

The decoration of this room is beautiful.

The decoration in this room is beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
部屋 - noun that means "room" or "hall"
の - possessive particle that indicates that the previous noun is the possessor
装飾 - noun that means "decoration" or "ornament"
は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

この精巧な彫刻は本当に美しいです。

Kono seikou na choukoku wa hontou ni utsukushii desu

This intricate carving is really beautiful.

This elaborate sculpture is really beautiful.

この - indicates that the object is close to the speaker, it can be translated as "this".
精巧な - an adjective that means "precise" or "elaborate."
彫刻 - noun that means "sculpture" or "carving".
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, can be translated as "about" or "regarding".
本当に - Adverb meaning "really" or "truly".
美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
です - Verb "to be" in polite form.