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
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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:
Nairikuji ni wa utsukushii yamayama ga arimasu
There are beautiful mountains in the interior areas.
- 内陸地 - It means "inland area" or "hinterland".
- には - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the existence of something in a specific area.
- 美しい - means "pretty" or "beautiful".
- 山々 - It means "mountains" or "mountain range".
- が - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
- あります - It is a verb that means "to exist" or "to be present."
Shishuu wa utsukushii desu
Embroidery is beautiful.
- 刺繍 - embroidery
- は - Topic particle
- 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
- です - verb to be in the polite form
Karuuta wa utsukushii namae desu
Kasuta is a beautiful name.
- 加留多 - first name in Japanese
- は - Topic marking particle
- 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
- 名前 - noun meaning "name"
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form
Kawari ga aru katana wa utsukushii desu
A curved sword is beautiful.
The deformed sword is beautiful.
- 反りがある - curvado
- 刀 - sword
- 美しい - beautiful
- です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)
Furui tera wa utsukushii desu
Old temples are beautiful.
The old temple is beautiful.
- 古い - old
- 寺 - temple
- は - Topic particle
- 美しい - beautiful
- です - verb ser/estar (polite)
Kakuchi de utsukushii keshiki wo miru koto ga dekimasu
You can see beautiful scenery in many places.
- 各地で - in every place
- 美しい - beautiful
- 景色 - landscape
- を - direct object particle
- 見る - To see
- ことができます - it's possible
Kokutei kōen wa utsukushii shizen ga takusan arimasu
Kokutei National Park has a lot of beautiful nature.
Kokusai Park has a lot of beautiful nature.
- 国定公園 - National park
- は - Topic particle
- 美しい - pretty
- 自然 - Nature
- が - Subject particle
- たくさん - Very
- あります - They exist
Yuugureji no nishibi ga utsukushii desu
The west sun of the west is beautiful during twilight.
West day at dusk is beautiful.
- 夕暮れ時 - moment of dusk
- の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
- 西日 - sunlight that strikes from the west
- が - particle that indicates subject
- 美しい - beautiful
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Ōzora wa utsukushii desu
The sky is beautiful.
The sky is beautiful.
- 大空 - means "wide sky" or "vast sky".
- は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the sky.
- 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form.
Kanojo no karada tsuki wa surimu de utsukushii desu
Your body is slim and beautiful.
- 彼女 - She
- の - Possessive particle
- 体付き - body shape
- は - Topic particle
- スリム - lean
- で - connecting particle
- 美しい - pretty
- です - Completion particle
Other Words of this Type: adjective
See other words from our dictionary that are also: adjective