可憐|かれんkaren[0]heiban (flat)

1. na-adjective, nounsweet (e.g. young girls, flowers blooming); touchingly lovely; cute
2. na-adjective, nounpitiful; pitiable

• SynonymかわいいNeutralThe everyday, all-purpose word for cute; it also covers small, frail things that tug at the heart, while 「可憐」 is reserved for delicate, touchingly lovely charm.
• Synonym可愛らしいかわいらしいNeutralDescribes a cute, endearing look or manner, typically of children and small animals; 「可憐」 adds a sense of frailty that makes you want to protect.
• Synonym愛らしいあいらしいWrittenA written-prose word for pretty, endearing charm; 「可憐」 stresses delicate frailty that stirs tenderness.
• Synonym愛くるしいあいくるしいNeutralCute in a way that makes you dote, often for a child's winning expressions; more cheerful and lively than 「可憐」, with no hint of frailty.
• SynonymめんこいCasualA colloquial Tohoku dialect word for cute, with a warm, folksy feel; in standard Japanese you would say 「かわいい」.
• SynonymいたいけWrittenA written word for young innocence so helpless it tugs at the heart; 「可憐」 is not limited to the very young and often describes girls and flowers.
• Antonym醜いみにくいNeutralUgly or unsightly in looks, standing opposite 「可憐」's delicate charm; it can also describe ugly, shameful behavior.
• AntonymぶさいくCasualA colloquial word for ugly looks, also used of clumsy, poorly made work; it stands at the opposite pole from 「可憐」's dainty charm.

Use 「可憐」 for delicate, touchingly lovely charm that stirs protectiveness, mostly of young girls and flowers. Everyday cuteness is 「可愛い」; children and small animals, 「可愛らしい」; written prose, 「愛らしい」. 「醜い」 and 「不細工」 are opposites.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 頼たよりなさそうな感かんじがして守まもってやりたくなるような気持きもちを起おこさせる様子ようす。かわいらしいさま。