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B1 noun (plural) #22 よく出る 16分で読める

looks

上位22

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe people. You might know words like 'beautiful,' 'handsome,' or 'pretty.' The word 'looks' as a noun is a bit more advanced, but you can understand it in simple sentences. For example, if someone says 'He has good looks,' they mean 'He is handsome.' At this level, you should focus on the fact that 'looks' is about the face and body. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'looks' is a word we use to talk about how someone looks on the outside. You might hear it in simple stories or when people talk about their favorite movie stars. It is a plural word, so we use 's' at the end. Even if you are talking about one person, you say 'looks.' Think of it like the word 'eyes' or 'ears'—you usually talk about them in the plural. When you see a picture of a famous person, you can say 'They have great looks!' This is a very nice way to give a compliment. You can also use it to talk about your family, like 'My sister has my mother's looks.' This means they look the same. At A1, the most important thing is to know that 'looks' means 'how someone looks' and it is usually a positive thing. You will see it in many basic English books. Try to practice by looking at photos and saying if the person has 'good looks.' It is a simple and useful word for your first conversations in English. Don't worry about the verb 'looks' (like 'He looks happy') for now; just focus on 'looks' as a thing that people have. This will help you build a strong foundation for describing people in the future.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'looks' in more detailed ways. You are learning to describe people's physical appearance more accurately. You know that 'looks' is a plural noun. This means you should use it with plural verbs like 'are' or 'were.' For example, 'His looks are very famous.' You can also use adjectives with 'looks' to be more specific. You might say someone has 'classic looks' or 'youthful looks.' This helps you move beyond just saying 'good' or 'bad.' At this level, you can also understand the difference between 'look' (singular) and 'looks' (plural). A 'look' is often about clothes or a style, while 'looks' is about the person's natural face and body. For example, 'I like your new look' (your new clothes or hair) versus 'She has her father's looks' (she looks like her father). You can also use 'looks' to talk about things, like the 'looks' of a new phone or a car. This shows you are expanding your vocabulary. You might also encounter the phrase 'by the looks of it,' which means 'it seems like.' For example, 'By the looks of it, it's going to rain.' This is a very common expression in English. Using 'looks' correctly will make your English sound more natural. You can use it to talk about celebrities, friends, and family. It is a very common word in everyday English, so you will hear it in movies and songs. Try to use it when you are describing someone you know. Instead of just saying 'He is handsome,' try saying 'He has great looks.' This shows you are moving to a higher level of English and can use more interesting words.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'looks' as a plural noun in various contexts. You understand that it specifically refers to physical attractiveness and overall appearance. You can use it in more complex sentences, such as 'She relied on her looks to get into the modeling industry, but her talent is what kept her there.' This shows you can contrast 'looks' with other qualities like 'talent' or 'intelligence.' You are also aware of common collocations like 'good looks,' 'striking looks,' and 'rugged looks.' You understand that 'looks' is always plural in this sense, and you correctly use plural verbs and pronouns with it. For example, 'His looks were his best feature, and he knew how to use them.' You can also distinguish between 'looks' and other similar words like 'appearance' or 'features.' You know that 'appearance' is more formal and can be singular, while 'looks' is more common in daily speech. You might also start to use 'looks' in idiomatic expressions like 'to lose one's looks,' which refers to becoming less attractive as one gets older. This shows a deeper understanding of the word's cultural associations. You can also use 'looks' to describe the aesthetic quality of objects with more nuance, such as 'The car's sleek looks are designed to appeal to young professionals.' At this level, you are expected to use the word accurately in both speaking and writing. You can participate in discussions about beauty standards and how 'looks' affect people's lives. You are also able to identify 'looks' in different registers, from informal chats to magazine articles. Using 'looks' correctly is a sign that you are becoming a more fluent and natural speaker of English.

At the B2 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of how 'looks' functions as a plural noun. You can use it to discuss complex social and psychological concepts, such as the 'halo effect' or the societal pressure to maintain one's 'looks.' You understand the subtle differences between 'looks,' 'aesthetic,' and 'physique.' For instance, you know that 'looks' is a general term for attractiveness, while 'aesthetic' refers to a specific style and 'physique' refers to body build. You can use 'looks' in academic or professional contexts, such as 'The study examines how physical looks influence hiring decisions.' This shows you can move beyond personal descriptions to more abstract discussions. You are also familiar with a wider range of adjectives that can modify 'looks,' such as 'androgynous looks,' 'unconventional looks,' or 'aristocratic looks.' You can use these to provide very specific and nuanced descriptions. You are also proficient in using 'looks' in various idiomatic and phrasal contexts. For example, you might say 'By the looks of things, the economy is improving,' where 'looks' refers to the general appearance or evidence of a situation. You understand that in this context, 'looks' is still plural but has a different meaning than physical attractiveness. You can also use 'looks' to analyze literature or film, discussing how a character's 'looks' reflect their internal state or their role in the story. Your use of subject-verb agreement with 'looks' is consistent and accurate, even in long and complex sentences. You are able to use the word to express subtle opinions and critiques, making your English sound more like that of a native speaker. At this level, 'looks' is a versatile tool in your vocabulary that you can use with confidence in almost any situation.

At the C1 level, your use of the word 'looks' is highly nuanced and precise. You are aware of the word's historical development and its various connotations in different social classes and cultures. You can use 'looks' to engage in high-level debates about the philosophy of beauty or the ethics of the beauty industry. You understand how 'looks' can be used as a form of social capital and can discuss the implications of this in depth. You are also comfortable using 'looks' in very formal or literary writing, perhaps choosing it over 'appearance' to create a specific tone or to emphasize the subjective nature of perception. You can use rare or specialized adjectives with 'looks,' such as 'ethereal looks,' 'saturnine looks,' or 'pre-Raphaelite looks,' showing a deep knowledge of art and history. You are also an expert at using 'looks' in idiomatic expressions, understanding the subtle differences between 'by the looks of it,' 'by all looks,' and 'to have the looks of.' You can use the word to create irony or sarcasm, such as 'He certainly has the looks of a man who hasn't slept in a week.' This shows a high level of linguistic control. You are also sensitive to the potential for 'looks' to be used in discriminatory or objectifying ways and can navigate these sensitive topics with appropriate language. Your understanding of the word extends to its use in technical fields like marketing or product design, where 'looks' refers to the visual identity and consumer appeal of a brand. You can analyze how 'looks' are manipulated through technology and media to create specific effects. At this level, 'looks' is not just a word for attractiveness; it is a complex concept that you can manipulate and explore in all its dimensions.

At the C2 level, you have achieved complete mastery over the word 'looks' and its myriad applications. You can use it with the same ease and subtlety as a highly educated native speaker. You are capable of using 'looks' in complex metaphorical ways, perhaps in poetry or advanced creative writing, to explore themes of identity, perception, and the passage of time. You understand the word's place within the broader system of the English language, including its relationship to other words in the same semantic field and its grammatical idiosyncrasies. You can effortlessly switch between different registers, using 'looks' in a casual conversation one moment and in a formal academic paper the next, always with perfect accuracy. You are also aware of the most subtle connotations of the word—how it can imply vanity, superficiality, or, conversely, a natural and effortless grace. You can use 'looks' to critique societal norms and to explore the intersection of physical appearance with race, gender, and class. Your vocabulary includes a vast array of synonyms and related terms, allowing you to choose exactly the right word for any context. You can also use 'looks' to discuss the evolution of visual culture, from classical portraiture to modern digital media. You are an expert at identifying and using 'looks' in all its idiomatic forms, even the most obscure ones. Your use of the word is always grammatically perfect, and you can use it to create complex rhetorical effects. At this level, 'looks' is a word that you can use to express the most refined and sophisticated thoughts, demonstrating a profound understanding of both the English language and the human experience.

練習する例文メモとヒント

looks 30秒で

Refers to a person's physical appearance and attractiveness.
Always used in the plural form ('looks') in this context.
Commonly paired with adjectives like 'good,' 'striking,' or 'youthful.'
Can also describe the aesthetic design of objects or be used in idioms.

The word looks, when used as a plural noun, refers specifically to a person's physical appearance, particularly in terms of how attractive or handsome they are. Unlike the singular noun 'look,' which might refer to a specific style of dress or a single facial expression, 'looks' is a holistic term. It encompasses the entirety of someone's facial features, body shape, and general aesthetic appeal. It is a word that sits at the intersection of biology and social perception. When we say someone has 'good looks,' we are making a collective judgment about their physical traits. This term is inherently plural because human beauty is rarely defined by one single feature; it is the combination of eyes, nose, mouth, skin, and symmetry that creates the overall impression. People use this word in a variety of social contexts, ranging from casual dating discussions to professional evaluations in industries like modeling or acting. It is also frequently used when discussing the aging process, as in the phrase 'losing one's looks,' which reflects a societal preoccupation with youth and aesthetic decline. The term is subjective, yet it often relies on shared cultural standards of what is considered pleasing to the eye.

Physical Attractiveness: The primary usage of 'looks' is to describe the degree of beauty or handsomeness a person possesses. It is often paired with adjectives like 'good,' 'great,' or 'striking.'

She was hired for her looks as much as for her acting ability.

In a broader sense, 'looks' can also apply to the visual appearance of objects, though this is less common than its application to people. For example, one might discuss the 'looks' of a new sports car, referring to its sleek lines and aesthetic design. However, the most frequent and impactful use remains centered on human beings. The word carries a certain weight in social psychology, where the 'halo effect' suggests that individuals with 'good looks' are often perceived as more intelligent or kind, regardless of their actual personality. This makes 'looks' a powerful, if sometimes superficial, currency in human interaction. It is important to note that 'looks' is always plural in this context. You would never say 'he has a good look' to mean he is handsome; that would instead imply he has a good fashion sense or a specific style. The pluralization is what anchors the meaning to physical beauty.

Inherent Traits: 'Looks' typically refers to natural features rather than temporary changes like makeup or clothing, though these can enhance one's looks.

He relies too much on his looks to get what he wants in life.

Culturally, the concept of 'looks' is deeply tied to the fashion and beauty industries. Magazines, advertisements, and social media platforms are largely built around the celebration and critique of people's looks. This has led to a complex relationship with the word, as it can be used both as a compliment and as a way to reduce a person's value to their exterior. In literature, authors often use a character's 'looks' to provide immediate insight into their personality or to subvert expectations—for example, a character with 'villainous looks' who turns out to be a hero. The word is versatile because it can be modified by a wide range of descriptors: 'rugged looks,' 'youthful looks,' 'exotic looks,' or 'plain looks.' Each of these provides a specific mental image while still focusing on the general concept of physical appearance.

Social Evaluation: Using 'looks' often implies a comparison to a standard or an evaluation by others in a social setting.

The twins have the same looks, but very different personalities.

Her looks were the talk of the entire party.

Don't judge a book by its looks, or a person by theirs.

Using 'looks' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical status as a plural noun. It is most commonly found as the object of a sentence or as part of a prepositional phrase. For example, in the sentence 'He has his father's looks,' the word 'looks' is the direct object of 'has.' This indicates that the son possesses physical characteristics similar to his father. Because it is plural, any verbs that refer directly to 'looks' must also be plural. You would say, 'His looks are fading,' not 'His looks is fading.' This is a common point of confusion for learners who might be thinking of 'appearance' (singular) as a synonym. While they are synonyms, 'appearance' takes a singular verb, while 'looks' takes a plural one. This distinction is vital for maintaining subject-verb agreement in more complex sentences.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always use plural verbs with 'looks' when it refers to physical appearance. Example: 'Their looks were quite similar.'

His looks have always been his greatest asset in the film industry.

Another frequent usage involves the verb 'to rely on' or 'to trade on.' People often speak of someone 'relying on their looks' to get ahead, implying that the person uses their attractiveness to gain advantages rather than relying on skill or hard work. In this context, 'looks' functions as a resource or a tool. You can also use 'looks' with possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, our, their) or possessive nouns (John's, the model's). This clarifies whose appearance is being discussed. For instance, 'The model's looks were perfect for the high-fashion campaign.' The word can also be modified by adjectives that describe the quality or type of appearance, such as 'movie-star looks,' 'boyish looks,' or 'striking looks.' These modifiers help to paint a more specific picture for the listener or reader.

Possessive Usage: Use 'looks' with a possessive to attribute appearance to a specific person. Example: 'She inherited her mother's looks.'

The actor's rugged looks made him perfect for the role of the detective.

Furthermore, 'looks' is often used in comparative structures. You might say, 'He has better looks than his brother,' or 'She has the best looks in the family.' In these cases, 'looks' is being treated as a quantifiable trait that can be compared between individuals. It is also used in the negative, such as 'He doesn't have the looks for a career in modeling,' which suggests a lack of the necessary physical requirements. In more formal or literary writing, 'looks' can be used to describe the outward appearance of things to suggest their inner state, though this is metaphorical. For example, 'The looks of the crumbling mansion suggested a dark history.' Here, 'looks' is standing in for the overall visual impression that conveys a specific mood or story. However, in 90% of daily usage, it will refer to human attractiveness.

Comparative Structures: 'Looks' can be used with 'better,' 'worse,' 'more,' or 'less' to compare attractiveness. Example: 'He has the looks of a young Elvis.'

By any standard, her looks are considered extraordinary.

They were stunned by the looks of the new skyscraper.

Her looks improved significantly after she started a healthy lifestyle.

In the real world, you will encounter the word 'looks' in a variety of settings, most notably in the media and entertainment sectors. Hollywood gossip columns, fashion magazines, and celebrity news websites are saturated with discussions about celebrities' 'looks.' Whether it's a red-carpet critique or a feature on 'stars who haven't lost their looks,' the term is a staple of pop culture journalism. It serves as a shorthand for the visual appeal that often drives the industry. You'll also hear it frequently in the world of dating and social apps. People might describe their 'type' based on 'looks,' or comment on how someone's profile pictures don't match their 'real-life looks.' In these contexts, the word is used to navigate the initial stages of physical attraction, which is a fundamental part of human courtship.

Entertainment Media: Common in headlines and reviews focusing on actors, models, and public figures. Example: 'The actor's classic looks won over the audience.'

The magazine article focused on how to maintain your looks as you age.

Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, 'looks' is used in more serious or practical settings. For instance, in law enforcement, a witness might be asked to describe a suspect's 'looks.' This refers to their height, weight, hair color, and any distinguishing facial features. Here, 'looks' is a synonym for 'physical description.' In the workplace, though it is often considered unprofessional or even discriminatory, people still talk about 'looks' in relation to certain roles, such as receptionists, flight attendants, or sales representatives, where a 'polished look' or 'good looks' are sometimes (controversially) valued. You might also hear it in the context of family gatherings, where relatives might remark on how a child has 'gotten their mother's looks' or 'lost their baby looks' as they grow older. These are common ways that families track genetic traits and physical development over time.

Everyday Conversation: Used by friends and family to discuss resemblances or changes in appearance. Example: 'You've still got your youthful looks!'

The witness provided a detailed account of the suspect's looks to the police.

In the digital age, 'looks' has taken on new life in the world of online gaming and virtual avatars. Players spend hours customizing the 'looks' of their characters, choosing everything from eye color to armor style. In this digital realm, 'looks' are a form of self-expression and status. Similarly, on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, 'looks' are curated through filters and editing, leading to a global conversation about the difference between 'natural looks' and 'filtered looks.' This has sparked a significant cultural dialogue about body image and the pressure to maintain a certain standard of 'looks' in the public eye. Whether in a high-stakes professional environment or a casual chat among friends, the word 'looks' remains a central part of how we describe and navigate the visual world around us.

Digital Contexts: Refers to the visual design of characters or the edited appearance of photos. Example: 'I love the new looks for the characters in this update.'

Social media influencers often feel pressure to maintain perfect looks in every post.

The car's futuristic looks were what first caught my eye.

She was worried that her looks would change after the surgery.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the plural noun 'looks' with the third-person singular verb 'looks.' For example, in the sentence 'He looks good,' 'looks' is a verb describing his current state. However, in 'He has good looks,' 'looks' is a noun referring to his physical attractiveness. Mixing these up can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences like 'He has good look' or 'He looks are good.' It is essential to remember that when you are talking about the *thing* (attractiveness), it must be plural. Another common error is using 'looks' with a singular verb. Because 'looks' is a plural noun, it requires a plural verb. Saying 'His looks is amazing' is a classic mistake; the correct form is 'His looks are amazing.' This is particularly tricky because the synonym 'appearance' is singular, leading many to mistakenly apply the same rule to 'looks.'

Noun vs. Verb Confusion: Mistaking the action (verb) for the quality (noun). Example of error: 'She has a beautiful looks.'

Incorrect: His looks is what made him famous. Correct: His looks are what made him famous.

Another area of confusion is the difference between 'looks' and 'look' (singular noun). A 'look' usually refers to a specific style, a fashion choice, or a particular facial expression. For instance, 'She has a professional look' means she is dressed professionally. However, 'She has professional looks' would sound strange, as 'looks' usually refers to natural beauty rather than clothing. Learners often use 'looks' when they mean 'style' or 'outfit.' If you want to compliment someone's clothes, say 'I like your look today.' If you want to compliment their natural beauty, you might say 'You have great looks.' Confusing these two can lead to misunderstandings about whether you are praising someone's effort (style) or their genetics (attractiveness). Additionally, avoid using 'looks' to describe a single glance; that is always the singular 'look,' as in 'He gave me a strange look.'

Style vs. Attractiveness: Using 'looks' for clothing choices. Example of error: 'I love your looks in that dress.' (Should be 'look').

Incorrect: He gave her a long looks. Correct: He gave her a long look.

Finally, some learners over-apply the word 'looks' to non-human subjects in ways that sound unnatural. While you can say 'the looks of the car,' it is much more common to use 'appearance' or 'design' for inanimate objects. Using 'looks' for everything can make your English sound repetitive or slightly informal. For example, saying 'The looks of the mountain were beautiful' is technically understandable but sounds odd to a native speaker, who would prefer 'The mountain looked beautiful' or 'The appearance of the mountain was stunning.' Use 'looks' primarily for people to sound more natural. Also, be careful with the phrase 'by the looks of it.' This is a common idiom meaning 'based on the evidence,' and in this specific phrase, 'looks' is always plural, but it doesn't refer to physical beauty. Confusing this idiom with the literal meaning of 'looks' can lead to confusion in conversation.

Overuse for Objects: Using 'looks' for natural scenery or complex machines where 'appearance' is better. Example: 'The looks of the computer are nice.'

Incorrect: By the look of it, it's going to rain. Correct: By the looks of it, it's going to rain.

Incorrect: She has many looks. (meaning she is very beautiful). Correct: She has great looks.

Incorrect: Her looks is her best feature. Correct: Her looks are her best feature.

When you want to describe how someone or something appears, 'looks' is a very common and versatile choice, but there are several other words you can use depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. The most direct synonym is 'appearance.' While 'looks' is often informal and focused on attractiveness, 'appearance' is more formal and neutral. It can refer to beauty, but it can also just mean the way something looks without any judgment. For example, 'The appearance of the building was modern' is a factual statement, whereas 'The looks of the building were impressive' sounds more like a personal opinion. Another alternative is 'features,' which refers specifically to the parts of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you say someone has 'striking features,' you are focusing on the individual components that make up their 'looks.'

Appearance vs. Looks: 'Appearance' is singular and formal; 'looks' is plural and often implies attractiveness. Example: 'His physical appearance changed' vs. 'He lost his looks.'

The detective studied the suspect's facial features to see if they matched the description.

In more literary or old-fashioned contexts, you might encounter words like 'visage' or 'countenance.' 'Visage' refers specifically to the face and the expression it wears, while 'countenance' often refers to the moral character or mood reflected in the face. These words are much more formal than 'looks' and are rarely used in everyday speech. If you are talking about the overall style or vibe of a person or thing, 'aesthetic' is a very popular modern alternative. You might say, 'I really like her aesthetic,' which covers her 'looks' but also her clothing, her surroundings, and her general 'vibe.' This is a broader term that has become very common on social media. Another word, 'physique,' is used specifically to describe the shape and size of a person's body, usually in the context of health or fitness. While 'looks' includes the body, 'physique' is much more targeted.

Aesthetic vs. Looks: 'Aesthetic' refers to a chosen style or artistic quality; 'looks' refers to natural physical beauty. Example: 'The cafe has a vintage aesthetic.'

The athlete's powerful physique was the result of years of training.

Finally, there are adjectives that can replace the need for the noun 'looks' altogether. Instead of saying 'He has good looks,' you can simply say 'He is handsome' or 'He is attractive.' Instead of 'She has striking looks,' you can say 'She is stunning.' These adjectives are often more direct and common in spoken English. However, the noun 'looks' remains useful when you want to talk about appearance as a concept or a possession—something someone *has* or *loses*. For example, the phrase 'beauty is only skin deep' is a way of saying that 'looks' aren't everything. In summary, while 'looks' is the most common way to discuss attractiveness, choosing words like 'appearance,' 'features,' or 'aesthetic' can help you be more precise or change the tone of your conversation from casual to formal.

Mien and Aspect: Highly formal terms for a person's appearance or manner. 'Mien' suggests an air or character; 'aspect' suggests a particular side of something.

The king had a noble mien that commanded respect from everyone.

The appearance of the garden changed with the seasons.

His countenance fell when he heard the bad news.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"The study analyzed how physical looks correlate with social status."

ニュートラル

"She has very striking looks."

カジュアル

"He's got the looks, for sure."

Child friendly

"The princess had very pretty looks."

スラング

"He's serving looks today!"

豆知識

The use of 'looks' to mean 'attractiveness' is relatively modern compared to the verb form. It reflects a shift in focus from the person *doing* the looking to the person *being* looked at.

発音ガイド

UK /lʊks/

US /lʊks/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

韻が合う語

books cooks hooks nooks crooks brooks shooks snooks

よくある間違い

Pronouncing the 'oo' as a long 'u' (like in 'mood').
Forgetting to pronounce the 's' at the end.
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' sound (it should be a sharp 's').
Mixing it up with 'luck' (different vowel sound).
Confusing it with 'locks' (different vowel sound).

難易度

読解 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but must distinguish from the verb form.

ライティング 4/5

Requires correct subject-verb agreement (plural).

スピーキング 3/5

Very common in natural speech, easy to use once the plural rule is learned.

リスニング 3/5

Commonly heard in media and daily life.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

look (verb) beautiful handsome face body

次に学ぶ

appearance features aesthetic physique halo effect

上級

countenance visage mien comeliness phenotype

知っておくべき文法

Plural Subject-Verb Agreement

His looks ARE (not is) impressive.

Possessive Adjectives with Nouns

HER looks, MY looks, THEIR looks.

Adjective-Noun Order

STRIKING looks, RUGGED looks.

Idiomatic Plurality

By the LOOKS (not look) of it.

Contrast with Verb Form

He LOOKS (verb) good vs. He has good LOOKS (noun).

レベル別の例文

He has very good looks.

Il a un très beau physique.

'Looks' is plural, but it refers to one person's beauty.

She has her mother's looks.

Elle a les traits de sa mère.

This means she looks like her mother.

They have great looks.

Ils sont très beaux.

Use 'great' to say they are very attractive.

Does he have good looks?

Est-ce qu'il est beau ?

This is a common way to ask if someone is handsome.

Her looks are famous.

Sa beauté est célèbre.

Notice the plural verb 'are'.

I like his looks.

J'aime son physique.

'Looks' is the object of the verb 'like'.

Good looks are not everything.

La beauté ne fait pas tout.

A common saying about inner beauty.

He lost his youthful looks.

Il a perdu son physique de jeune homme.

'Youthful' describes the type of looks.

By the looks of it, it will rain.

À en juger par l'apparence, il va pleuvoir.

This is a common idiom meaning 'it seems like'.

The car has very modern looks.

La voiture a un look très moderne.

Using 'looks' to describe an object's design.

She is known for her striking looks.

Elle est connue pour son physique frappant.

'Striking' means very noticeable and attractive.

His looks changed after he grew a beard.

Son physique a changé après qu'il a laissé pousser sa barbe.

The plural noun 'looks' is the subject of the verb 'changed'.

They were hired for their good looks.

Ils ont été embauchés pour leur beau physique.

Using 'looks' as the reason for something.

He has the looks of a movie star.

Il a le physique d'une star de cinéma.

A common comparison for very attractive people.

Her looks are her best feature.

Son physique est son meilleur atout.

Again, notice the plural verb 'are'.

Don't judge people by their looks.

Ne jugez pas les gens sur leur physique.

A common piece of advice.

He relied on his looks to get ahead in life.

Il comptait sur son physique pour réussir dans la vie.

'Rely on' is a common verb to use with 'looks'.

She was worried about losing her looks as she got older.

Elle s'inquiétait de perdre sa beauté en vieillissant.

'Losing one's looks' is a standard phrase.

The actor's rugged looks made him perfect for the role.

Le physique robuste de l'acteur le rendait parfait pour le rôle.

'Rugged' is often used to describe masculine beauty.

By the looks of the office, they have been very busy.

À en juger par l'état du bureau, ils ont été très occupés.

Idiomatic use meaning 'based on the evidence'.

He has the classic looks of a 1950s leading man.

Il a le physique classique d'un premier rôle des années 50.

'Classic looks' refers to a timeless type of beauty.

Her looks were often a distraction from her intelligence.

Sa beauté détournait souvent l'attention de son intelligence.

Discussing how 'looks' can affect perception.

The new model has very unconventional looks.

Le nouveau mannequin a un physique très peu conventionnel.

'Unconventional' means not following normal standards.

Good looks run in their family.

La beauté est héréditaire dans leur famille.

An idiom meaning a trait is common in a family.

Society often places too much emphasis on physical looks.

La société accorde souvent trop d'importance au physique.

Discussing 'looks' as a social concept.

The 'halo effect' suggests that good looks can influence our judgment of character.

L'effet de halo suggère que la beauté peut influencer notre jugement sur le caractère.

A psychological term related to appearance.

Despite his age, he has maintained his youthful looks through a healthy lifestyle.

Malgré son âge, il a conservé son physique de jeune homme grâce à un mode de vie sain.

Using 'maintained' with 'looks'.

The brand is looking for someone with 'girl-next-door' looks for their campaign.

La marque recherche quelqu'un avec un physique de 'fille d'à côté' pour sa campagne.

A specific marketing term for a type of appearance.

By the looks of things, the project is going to be a huge success.

À en juger par la situation, le projet va être un immense succès.

A variation of 'by the looks of it'.

Her exotic looks made her a favorite among international photographers.

Son physique exotique a fait d'elle une favorite des photographes internationaux.

'Exotic' can be a sensitive term, but it's common in fashion.

He was self-conscious about his looks after the accident.

Il était complexé par son physique après l'accident.

'Self-conscious' means worried about what others think.

The house's outward looks belied the luxury that lay within.

L'aspect extérieur de la maison masquait le luxe qui se trouvait à l'intérieur.

Using 'looks' to describe a building's exterior.

The protagonist's saturnine looks perfectly captured his melancholic nature.

Le physique sombre du protagoniste capturait parfaitement sa nature mélancolique.

'Saturnine' is a high-level adjective for 'gloomy'.

The casting director was specifically seeking an actor with aristocratic looks.

Le directeur de casting recherchait spécifiquement un acteur au physique aristocratique.

'Aristocratic' suggests wealth and high social status.

She possessed the kind of ethereal looks that seemed almost otherworldly.

Elle possédait ce genre de beauté éthérée qui semblait presque d'un autre monde.

'Ethereal' means extremely delicate and light.

The study explores the correlation between physical looks and career advancement in corporate settings.

L'étude explore la corrélation entre le physique et l'avancement professionnel dans les milieux d'entreprise.

Formal academic usage of 'looks'.

By all looks, the treaty is set to be signed by the end of the week.

Selon toute apparence, le traité devrait être signé d'ici la fin de la semaine.

A more formal version of 'by the looks of it'.

His boyish looks remained unchanged even as he entered his fifties.

Son physique de jeune homme est resté inchangé même à l'aube de la cinquantaine.

'Boyish' describes a youthful, male appearance.

The film noir aesthetic relied heavily on the sharp, shadowed looks of its characters.

L'esthétique du film noir reposait largement sur le physique anguleux et ombragé de ses personnages.

Discussing 'looks' within an artistic style.

The pressure to maintain perfect looks in the digital age has led to a rise in cosmetic procedures.

La pression pour maintenir un physique parfait à l'ère du numérique a entraîné une augmentation des interventions esthétiques.

Analyzing social trends related to 'looks'.

The author uses the character's deteriorating looks as a potent metaphor for his moral decay.

L'auteur utilise la dégradation physique du personnage comme une métaphore puissante de sa déchéance morale.

Literary analysis of 'looks'.

In the realm of high fashion, 'looks' are often commodified and stripped of their human context.

Dans le milieu de la haute couture, le physique est souvent marchandisé et dépouillé de son contexte humain.

Critical theory applied to the concept of 'looks'.

The pre-Raphaelite looks of the model evoked a sense of 19th-century romanticism.

Le physique préraphaélite du mannequin évoquait un sentiment de romantisme du XIXe siècle.

Reference to a specific art historical style.

Despite the superficiality of the industry, she managed to transcend her looks and be recognized for her intellect.

Malgré la superficialité de l'industrie, elle a réussi à transcender son physique et à être reconnue pour son intelligence.

Using 'transcend' to show moving beyond 'looks'.

The shifting standards of 'good looks' throughout history reveal much about changing cultural values.

L'évolution des critères de beauté à travers l'histoire en dit long sur le changement des valeurs culturelles.

Historical and sociological analysis.

His weathered looks told the story of a life spent battling the elements on the high seas.

Son physique marqué par le temps racontait l'histoire d'une vie passée à lutter contre les éléments en haute mer.

'Weathered' suggests exposure to nature and age.

The play explores the tragedy of a woman whose entire identity was predicated on her fading looks.

La pièce explore la tragédie d'une femme dont toute l'identité reposait sur sa beauté déclinante.

'Predicated on' means based on.

By the looks of the geopolitical landscape, a major shift in power is imminent.

À en juger par le paysage géopolitique, un changement de pouvoir majeur est imminent.

Using the idiom in a highly formal, global context.

よく使う組み合わせ

good looks

striking looks

youthful looks

rugged looks

classic looks

lose one's looks

rely on one's looks

movie-star looks

unconventional looks

boyish looks

よく使うフレーズ

by the looks of it

good looks run in the family

trade on one's looks

not much to look at

get one's looks from

keep one's looks

the looks of things

have the looks

don't judge by looks

striking good looks

よく混同される語

looks vs look (verb)

In 'He looks good,' 'looks' is a verb. In 'He has good looks,' it is a noun.

looks vs look (singular noun)

A 'look' is a style or an expression. 'Looks' is natural beauty.

looks vs appearance

Appearance is singular and more formal; looks is plural and more common.

慣用句と表現

"by the looks of it"

Used to say that something seems to be true based on the evidence you can see.

By the looks of it, the rain isn't going to stop anytime soon.

informal/neutral

"lose one's looks"

To become less attractive, especially due to aging or illness.

Many actors fear losing their looks as they get older.

neutral

"good looks run in the family"

Attractiveness is a common trait among family members.

All three sisters are models; good looks clearly run in the family.

informal

"trade on your looks"

To use your physical attractiveness to get what you want or to succeed.

She didn't want to just trade on her looks; she wanted to be known for her work.

neutral/informal

"if looks could kill"

Used to describe a very angry or mean look from someone.

When I told her the news, she gave me a look that, if looks could kill, I'd be dead.

informal

"to have the looks of"

To appear to be a certain type of person or thing.

He has the looks of a man who has seen a lot of trouble.

neutral

"by all looks"

According to all appearances; as far as one can tell.

By all looks, the company is heading for bankruptcy.

formal

"don't judge a book by its looks"

A variation of 'don't judge a book by its cover,' meaning don't judge based on appearance.

The car is old, but don't judge it by its looks; it runs perfectly.

informal

"to get by on one's looks"

To succeed or survive using only one's attractiveness rather than skill.

He's managed to get by on his looks for a long time, but he needs to learn a trade.

informal

"youthful looks"

An appearance that makes someone look younger than their actual age.

Her youthful looks often lead people to believe she is still a student.

neutral

間違えやすい

looks vs look

Same spelling as the 3rd person singular verb.

The verb describes an action or state, while the plural noun describes a quality of attractiveness.

He looks (verb) at the mirror. He has good looks (noun).

looks vs looking

Both relate to sight.

Looking is the act of seeing; looks is the quality of being seen.

Looking at him is easy because of his good looks.

looks vs luck

Similar sound.

Luck is about chance; looks is about appearance.

It wasn't just luck; his looks helped him get the role.

looks vs locks

Similar sound.

Locks refers to hair or security devices; looks refers to appearance.

His golden locks were part of his handsome looks.

looks vs features

Both describe appearance.

Features are specific parts (eyes, nose); looks is the whole package.

Her sharp features contribute to her striking looks.

文型パターン

Subject + has + [adjective] + looks.

He has good looks.

By the looks of [noun], [clause].

By the looks of the sky, it will rain.

Subject + get + possessive + looks + from + [person].

She gets her looks from her mother.

Subject + rely on + possessive + looks + to + [verb].

He relied on his looks to get the job.

Possessive + [adjective] + looks + [plural verb] + [complement].

His aristocratic looks were quite intimidating.

The [adjective] looks of [noun] + [verb] + [metaphor].

The weathered looks of the sailor told a story of hardship.

Good looks + run in the family.

Good looks run in the family.

Subject + be + worried about + losing + possessive + looks.

She was worried about losing her looks.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Common in daily speech and very high in media/fashion contexts.

よくある間違い

He has a good looks. → He has good looks.
You cannot use the indefinite article 'a' with 'looks' because it is a plural noun.
His looks is very handsome. → His looks are very handsome.
'Looks' is plural, so it requires the plural verb 'are'.
I like your looks today (referring to clothes). → I like your look today.
When referring to a specific outfit or style, use the singular 'look'.
She is losing her look as she gets older. → She is losing her looks as she gets older.
The standard idiom for becoming less attractive is 'losing one's looks' (plural).
By the look of it, it's going to rain. → By the looks of it, it's going to rain.
In this specific idiom, 'looks' is almost always plural.

ヒント

Always Plural

Remember that 'looks' meaning attractiveness is always plural. Use 'are' and 'were' with it.

Style vs. Beauty

Use 'look' (singular) for fashion and 'looks' (plural) for natural beauty.

By the Looks of It

Use this phrase to make a guess based on what you see. It makes you sound very natural.

Family Resemblance

Use 'get one's looks from' to talk about who someone looks like in their family.

Specific Adjectives

Instead of just 'good looks,' try 'striking looks' or 'rugged looks' to be more descriptive.

Noun or Verb?

If you hear 'has' or 'his/her' before 'looks,' it's the noun. If it follows a name directly, it's likely the verb.

Sensitivity

Be careful when discussing 'looks' in professional settings to avoid being superficial.

Compliments

While 'good looks' is a compliment, it's often more polite to compliment a specific feature.

The 'S' Rule

Think of the 's' in 'looks' as standing for 'surface'—it's what is on the surface of a person.

Objects

You can use 'looks' for cars or gadgets, but 'design' or 'appearance' is often more common.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'looks' as the 's' for 'super'—if someone has 'looks,' they have 'super' appearance. Also, remember it's plural because you have many features (eyes, nose, hair) that make up your looks.

視覚的連想

Imagine a mirror reflecting a person's face. The mirror shows their 'looks.' Or imagine a red carpet with many cameras flashing at a celebrity's 'looks.'

Word Web

Beauty Handsome Face Body Attraction Style Mirror Genes

チャレンジ

Try to describe three different people using the word 'looks' and a different adjective for each (e.g., youthful, rugged, classic).

語源

The word 'looks' comes from the Old English 'lōcian,' which meant 'to see' or 'to gaze.' Over time, the verb 'look' developed into a noun meaning 'the act of looking.' By the 16th century, it began to be used to describe the appearance of things, and by the 18th century, the plural form 'looks' became a standard way to refer to a person's physical attractiveness.

元の意味： To see, gaze, or behold.

Germanic

文化的な背景

Be careful when commenting on someone's 'looks' in a professional setting, as it can be seen as inappropriate or discriminatory. Also, be aware that 'losing one's looks' can be a sensitive topic for people as they age.

In the US and UK, 'looks' is a very common topic in celebrity culture and is often used in a lighthearted or complimentary way among friends.

The song 'Good Looks' by various artists. The phrase 'He's got the looks' in the song 'The Look' by Roxette. Common movie tropes where a character is 'the one with the looks.'

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Dating and Relationships

What's your type in terms of looks?
He has great looks.
I'm not just into looks.
She has striking looks.

Fashion and Modeling

We are looking for a specific set of looks.
She has the looks for high fashion.
The model's looks were perfect for the shoot.
He has movie-star looks.

Family and Genetics

She gets her looks from her mom.
Good looks run in the family.
He has his father's looks.
They share the same looks.

Aging and Health

She has kept her youthful looks.
He's losing his looks.
Maintaining your looks takes effort.
Her looks haven't changed in years.

General Observation

By the looks of it, we're in trouble.
Don't judge by looks.
The looks of the place were scary.
By the looks of things, it's over.

会話のきっかけ

"Do you think good looks are important for success in life?"

"Who in your family do you get your looks from?"

"Do you think people place too much emphasis on looks these days?"

"How much do you think someone's looks change as they get older?"

"By the looks of the weather today, what should we do this afternoon?"

日記のテーマ

Write about a time when you judged someone by their looks and were proven wrong.

Describe what you consider to be 'good looks' and why.

Reflect on how your own looks have changed over the last five years.

Discuss the phrase 'beauty is only skin deep' in relation to modern social media.

If you could inherit the looks of any famous person, who would it be and why?

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, when you are referring to a person's physical attractiveness, it is always used in the plural form. You would say 'He has good looks,' never 'He has a good look' (unless you mean his style of dress). This is a non-count plural noun in this specific context.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. Because 'looks' is a plural noun, it must be followed by a plural verb like 'are' or 'were.' The correct sentence is 'His looks are good.' This is a common mistake for learners who think of 'looks' as a single concept.

A 'look' (singular) usually refers to a specific style, a fashion choice, or a single facial expression. For example, 'I like your new look' refers to your clothes or hair. 'Looks' (plural) refers to your natural physical beauty or handsomeness. For example, 'She has her mother's looks' means she inherited her mother's face.

This is an idiomatic expression that means 'based on the evidence I can see.' For example, 'By the looks of it, the party is going to be fun.' It is a way of making a prediction or a guess based on visual information. In this phrase, 'looks' is always plural.

Yes, you can use 'looks' to describe the aesthetic design of an object, like a car or a building. For example, 'I love the looks of the new iPhone.' However, it is more common to use 'appearance' or 'design' for objects, while 'looks' is most frequently used for people.

Yes, telling someone they have 'good looks' is a compliment, though it is a bit direct. It is more common to say 'You are very handsome' or 'You are very beautiful.' Using the noun 'looks' often happens when talking *about* someone else, like 'He was hired for his good looks.'

This phrase refers to someone becoming less attractive as they get older or if they become ill. It is a common societal concern, especially in industries like acting or modeling. For example, 'She was worried about losing her looks after she turned forty.'

Yes, but you should be careful. In very formal writing, 'appearance' is often preferred. However, if you are specifically discussing attractiveness, 'physical looks' is acceptable. For example, 'The study examined the impact of physical looks on social interaction.'

Common adjectives include 'good,' 'striking,' 'rugged,' 'youthful,' 'classic,' 'unconventional,' 'boyish,' and 'exotic.' Each of these adds a specific nuance to the description of someone's appearance.

No, 'looks' refers strictly to physical, outward appearance. It is often contrasted with 'personality' or 'character' to show that what is on the outside is different from what is on the inside. For example, 'He has great looks, but a terrible personality.'