How to say "pretty" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- na-adjectiveThe broad, all-purpose word for the appearance sense of 'pretty' — it covers people, rooms, views, pictures. When unsure which appearance word fits, start here.
- 美しいうつくしいi-adjectiveIts core sense is 'beautiful', with 'pretty' only a secondary shade. Choose it when beauty itself, not just light prettiness, is what you want to express.
- 可愛らしいかわいらしいi-adjectiveCovers 'pretty' in its cute, endearing sense: sweet and lovely rather than striking. Suits small, dainty things, children, and anything whose charm is cuteness.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.
- 愛らしいあいらしいi-adjective'Pretty' with warmth: charming and adorable rather than merely good-looking. Typical of babies, small animals, and smiles — prettiness that makes the viewer feel affection.
- adverb, no-adjective, na-adjectiveNot about looks at all: the adverb 'pretty' meaning 'quite' or 'fairly', as in 'pretty difficult'. If your 'pretty' is a degree word before an adjective or verb, this is it; usually written in kana.
For the appearance sense, 「きれい」 is the broad all-purpose choice, 「美しい」 stresses beauty itself, 「可愛らしい」 and 「愛らしい」 add cuteness and affectionate charm, and for the adverb 'pretty' meaning 'quite', use 「かなり」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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