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:

王子は美しい庭園を持っています。

Ōji wa utsukushii teien o motteimasu

The prince has a beautiful garden.

王子 (ou ōji) - means "prince" in Japanese
は (ou wa) - topic particle in Japanese, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "prince"
美しい (ou utsukushii) - The adjective that means "pretty" or "beautiful" in Japanese is "美しい" (utsukushii).
庭園 (ou teien) - noun meaning "garden" or "park" in Japanese
を (ou o) - direct object particle in Japanese, indicates that "garden" is the direct object of the action
持っています (ou motteimasu) - verb meaning "to have" or "to possess" in Japanese, in the present continuous tense

玉は美しい宝石です。

Gyoku wa utsukushii houseki desu

The ball is a beautiful gem.

玉 - means "precious stone" or "sphere" in Japanese
は - Japanese topic particle
美しい - The adjective that means "pretty" or "beautiful" in Japanese is "美しい" (utsukushii).
宝石 - means "precious stone" or "jewel" in Japanese
です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating a statement or declaration

生け花は美しい芸術です。

Ikebana wa utsukushii geijutsu desu

Fresh flowers are beautiful art.

生け花 - Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangements
は - Topic particle
美しい - beautiful
芸術 - art
です - is

砂漠は美しいです。

Sabaku wa utsukushii desu

The desert is beautiful.

砂漠 (さばく) - desert
は - Topic particle
美しい (うつくしい) - pretty
です - Copula particle

私の女房はとても美しいです。

Watashi no nyoubou wa totemo utsukushii desu

My wife is very beautiful.

私 - personal pronoun "I"
の - possessive particle "of"
女房 - noun "wife"
は - topic particle "は"
とても - adverb "very"
美しい - adjective "beautiful"
です - verb "to be" (polite form)

私の嫁はとても美しいです。

Watashi no yome wa totemo utsukushii desu

My wife is very beautiful.

My bride is very beautiful.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
の (no) - particle indicating possession, in this case "my"
嫁 (yome) - "the wife"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "my wife"
とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
美しい (utsukushii) - adjective meaning "beautiful"
です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and respectful way of speaking, in this case "is"

私の従姉妹はとても美しいです。

Watashi no jōshimai wa totemo utsukushii desu

My cousin is very beautiful.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "mine"
従姉妹 (joushimai) - noun meaning "second cousin"
は (wa) - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "my second cousin"
とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very"
美しい (utsukushii) - adjective meaning "beautiful"
です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence

私は美しいネックレスを持っています。

Watashi wa utsukushii nekkuresu o motte imasu

I have a beautiful necklace.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
美しい (utsukushii) - Adjective that means "beautiful"
ネックレス (nekkuresu) - noun meaning "glue"
を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "colar"
持っています (motteimasu) - verb meaning "to have", conjugated in the present affirmative

私の郷里は美しい町です。

Watashi no kyōri wa utsukushii machi desu

My hometown is a beautiful city.

私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
の - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "mine"
郷里 - noun that means "homeland"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
町 - noun meaning "city"
です - verb that indicates to be or to exist, equivalent to "is"