How to say "lovely" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- na-adjectiveCovers 'lovely' meaning pretty or attractive to look at — a lovely flower, view, or dress. The most general of these words for visual attractiveness.
- 素敵すてきna-adjectiveThe closest equivalent of 'lovely' in its sense of charming or delightful: a lovely dress, a lovely evening, a lovely idea. Fits things, occasions, and people whose style appeals to you.
- 可愛らしいかわいらしいi-adjectiveCovers 'lovely' as sweet or endearing — a lovely little cottage, a sweet, dainty thing. Choose it when the charm lies in cuteness rather than beauty.兄は私にかわいらしい人形をくれました。↗My brother gave me a cute doll.
- 美しいうつくしいi-adjectiveChiefly means 'beautiful'; take 'lovely' here in its full sense of genuinely beautiful — lovely scenery, a lovely voice, a lovely poem. Stronger than you need for casual compliments.
- 愛しいいとしいi-adjectiveFor 'lovely' this is marginal: the word really means dear, beloved, or darling, expressing tender affection for a cherished person. Seldom the word you want for things that are merely lovely.
Use 素敵 for the general appreciative 'lovely', 「きれい」 for visual prettiness, 「可愛らしい」 for sweet, endearing charm, 「美しい」 when genuine beauty is meant, and 「愛しい」 only for beloved people.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- きれいpretty
- 素敵すてきlovely
- 可愛らしいかわいらしいlovely
- 美しいうつくしいbeautiful
- 愛しいいとしいlovely
- 愛らしいあいらしいpretty
- 結構けっこうsplendid
- かわいいcute
- 愛くるしいあいくるしいlovely
- 美らちゅらbeautiful
- かわゆいcute
- 愛おしいいとおしいlovely
- ラブリーlovely
- 愛敬らしいあいきょうらしいlovely
- ラブいlovely
- 麗しいうるわしいbeautiful
- 労たしろうたしfrail and cute (esp. of young women)
- 麗しのうるわしのbeautiful
- あでやかglamorous
- めんこいdear
- 可愛かわいcute
- かわヨcute
- 憎いにくいamazing
- 花はなglorious
See also
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