素敵・素適・素的|すてきsuteki[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
素敵素敵 is the most common written form and an ateji spelling, using kanji for their sound rather than their individual meanings; use it in ordinary writing.
素適素適 is an ateji spelling, but it is rarely used; you may encounter it as an alternative written form, but 素敵 is the form to choose.
素的素的 is a rarely used written form. For ordinary writing, learners should choose 素敵 instead.
Definitions
- na-adjectivelovely; wonderful; charming; enchanting; nice; great; splendid; marvellous (marvelous); fantastic; superb
Conjugation
| Plain form | 素敵（すてき） |
|---|---|
| Polite (desu) | 素敵です（すてきです） |
| Negative (dewa nai) | 素敵ではない（すてきではない） |
| polite (dewa arimasen) | 素敵ではありません（すてきではありません） |
| Past (datta) | 素敵だった（すてきだった） |
| Past negative (dewa nakatta) | 素敵ではなかった（すてきではなかった） |
| Te form (de) | 素敵で（すてきで） |
| Adverbial (ni) | 素敵に（すてきに） |
| Conditional (nara) | 素敵なら（すてきなら） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym素晴らしいすばらしいNeutralPraises excellence that impresses everyone; 「素敵」 instead highlights charm and the speaker's fondness.
- Synonym魅力的みりょくてきNeutralObjective description of being attractive, leaning written; 「素敵」 adds the speaker's personal fondness.
- SynonymチャーミングNeutralLoanword for cute and charming, often describing a person's smile or personality.
- SynonymワンダフルCasualColloquial loanword for 'wonderful', mostly an exclamation with an exaggerated, Western flair.
- SynonymファンタスティックCasualColloquial loanword meaning fantastic or dreamlike; more exaggerated than 「素敵」.
- SynonymナイスCasualColloquial loanword for 'nice', mostly an exclamation praising an action, as in 「ナイスショット」.
- SynonymグーCasualPlayful colloquial 'good', often said with a thumbs-up.
- Synonym立派りっぱNeutralImposing and admirable, stressing dignity; 「素敵」 stresses charm.
- Synonym良好りょうこうWrittenWritten word for good condition or results, as in 「経過良好」; carries no fondness.
- SynonymいいCasualThe everyday all-purpose 'good'; 「素敵」 is specifically for charm that stirs the heart.
- SynonymエクセレントNeutralLoanword for excellent; stresses high quality rather than being appealing.
- SynonymアトラクティブNeutralLoanword for attractive, but rarely used; say 「魅力的」 or 「素敵」 in everyday speech.
- RelatedグッドCasualColloquial loanword for 'good'; mostly an exclamation or in compounds like 「グッドアイデア」.
- Related良いよいNeutralThe broadest word for 'good'; 「素敵」 is reserved for things that charm or appeal.
- RelatedきれいNeutralFocuses on visual beauty, pretty or clean; 「素敵」 can also praise aura and taste.
- Related見事みごとNeutralPraises skill or scenery so fine it commands admiration, as in 「見事な演技」.
- RelatedかわいいNeutralCute and endearing, for people, animals, or things; 「素敵」 stresses charm and good taste.
- Related美しいうつくしいNeutralBeautiful, with a written, lyrical feel; 「素敵」 is the everyday choice for praising people and things.
- Related好ましいこのましいNeutralRational approval—likeable or desirable; 「素敵」 adds delighted, heart-stirring praise.
- Related心地よいここちよいNeutralAbout physical comfort and pleasantness, as in 「心地よい風」.
- RelatedきらびやかWrittenWritten word for dazzling, glittering splendor, as of clothing or decorations.
- Related華やかはなやかNeutralGorgeous, lively and eye-catching, as in 「華やかな舞台」.
- RelatedかっこいいCasualColloquial for cool and stylish, mostly men or a style; 「素敵」 suits both men and women.
- Related華麗かれいWrittenWritten word for gorgeous elegance, as in 「華麗な技」.
- Related愉快ゆかいNeutralDescribes a cheerful, fun mood; 「素敵」 praises things rather than feelings.
- Related華々しいはなばなしいWrittenWritten word for brilliant, glorious flair, as in 「華々しいデビュー」.
- RelatedグッドルッキングCasualColloquial loanword strictly for good looks; 「素敵」 can also praise aura and taste.
- Related麗しいうるわしいWrittenElegant written word for beauty or heartwarming loveliness, as in 「麗しい友情」.
- Related優れたすぐれたNeutralFrom the verb 「優れる」; mostly attributive, praising ability or quality rather than appeal.
- Antonym粗末そまつNeutralAntonym: crude and shabby, the opposite of the refined loveliness of 「素敵」.
- Antonym見苦しいみぐるしいNeutralAntonym: unsightly and unseemly, the opposite of the pleasing charm of 「素敵」.
Use 「素敵」 for what charms you or wins your heart—people, clothes, ideas. For excellence that impresses, say 「素晴らしい」; for looks alone, 「綺麗」; for cuteness, 「可愛い」; for cool style, 「格好いい」. Loanwords like 「ナイス」 and 「ワンダフル」 are casual exclamations; 「魅力的」 states attractiveness objectively. For gorgeous splendor pick 「華やか」 or 「華麗」, for admirable dignity 「立派」, for comfort 「心地よい」. Antonyms: 「粗末」 shabby, 「見苦しい」 unsightly.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
