Kirei is a versatile word used to describe both physical beauty and a clean, tidy state.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe beauty or cleanliness.
- Commonly modifies nouns or acts as a predicate.
- Essential vocabulary for daily Japanese conversation.
Overview
- 1概要：「綺麗な（きれいな）」は、日本語学習者が最初に覚えるべき形容動詞の一つです。視覚的に優れている状態や、清潔で整っている状態を指します。2) 使用パターン：「綺麗な＋名詞」の形で修飾したり、「〜は綺麗です」と述語として使ったりします。また、副詞的に「綺麗に（きれいに）」と変化して動詞を修飾することも可能です。3) 一般的な文脈：人に対して使う場合は「容姿が美しい」、部屋や服に対して使う場合は「清潔である・整っている」、景色に対して使う場合は「美しい」というニュアンスになります。4) 類語との比較：「美しい（うつくしい）」はより芸術的で感動的な美しさを表すのに対し、「綺麗な」は日常的でカジュアルな美しさや清潔さを指します。「可愛い（かわいい）」は愛らしさを強調しますが、「綺麗な」は整った美しさを強調します。
Examples
彼女はとても綺麗な人ですね。
everydayShe is a very beautiful person.
この部屋はとても綺麗です。
formalThis room is very clean.
山の上から見た景色が綺麗だった。
informalThe view from the top of the mountain was beautiful.
庭を綺麗に手入れする。
academicTo keep the garden well-maintained.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
綺麗になる
To become beautiful/clean
綺麗好き
Neat freak; someone who likes cleanliness
綺麗事
Empty platitudes; sugar-coating
Often Confused With
Utsukushii is more formal and artistic, often used for grand nature or deep beauty. Kirei is more versatile and common in daily life.
Kawaii focuses on cuteness, charm, or smallness. Kirei focuses on beauty, cleanliness, and order.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Kirei is a na-adjective, meaning it requires 'na' before nouns. It is used in both formal and informal contexts. In casual speech, it is often used as an exclamation: 'Kirei!'
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'kirei' as an i-adjective (kireii), which is incorrect. Remember it is 'kirei na'. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with 'kirei ni' when describing how an action is performed.
Tips
Use Kirei for cleaning contexts
When talking about cleaning a room, use 'kirei ni' to describe the result of the action. It implies a state of being tidy and free of dirt.
Avoid overusing for people
While 'kirei' is a compliment, focus on personality or achievements as well. Using it only for appearance might feel superficial in some professional settings.
Cleanliness is a cultural value
In Japan, keeping things 'kirei' is highly valued. This word reflects the cultural importance of hygiene, order, and harmony in public and private spaces.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese 'kirai', originally meaning distinct or clear. Over time, it evolved to encompass both physical beauty and the absence of dirt.
Cultural Context
Cleanliness is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, linked to Shinto concepts of purity. Keeping spaces 'kirei' is a way to show respect to others and oneself.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kirei' as 'Clean and Radiant'. Imagine a shiny, clean window that looks beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions人に対して使う場合は「容姿が整っていて美しい」という褒め言葉になります。ただし、相手との関係性や文脈によっては、外見だけを評価しているように聞こえることもあるため、TPOに合わせて使いましょう。
「綺麗な」は日常的で清潔感や整っている様子を指し、「美しい」はより深みのある芸術的・感動的な美しさを指します。景色や芸術作品にはどちらも使えますが、「美しい」の方がより情緒的です。
「綺麗に」は副詞的な使い方で、動作の結果として「整った状態になる」ことを表します。例えば「部屋を綺麗に掃除する」のように使います。
はい、日常会話や文章では「綺麗な」と書くのが一般的です。ただし、ひらがなで「きれいな」と書くことも多く、どちらも正解です。
Test Yourself
彼女はとても___花を買いました。
名詞の「花」を修飾するため、形容動詞の連体形「綺麗な」が必要です。
「部屋を綺麗にする」とはどういう意味ですか？
「綺麗にする」は、汚れを取り除いて整った状態にすることを意味します。
（景色が / とても / です / 綺麗）
日本語の語順として「主語＋副詞＋述語」が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Kirei is a versatile word used to describe both physical beauty and a clean, tidy state.
- Used to describe beauty or cleanliness.
- Commonly modifies nouns or acts as a predicate.
- Essential vocabulary for daily Japanese conversation.
Use Kirei for cleaning contexts
When talking about cleaning a room, use 'kirei ni' to describe the result of the action. It implies a state of being tidy and free of dirt.
Avoid overusing for people
While 'kirei' is a compliment, focus on personality or achievements as well. Using it only for appearance might feel superficial in some professional settings.
Cleanliness is a cultural value
In Japan, keeping things 'kirei' is highly valued. This word reflects the cultural importance of hygiene, order, and harmony in public and private spaces.
Examples
4 of 4彼女はとても綺麗な人ですね。
She is a very beautiful person.
この部屋はとても綺麗です。
This room is very clean.
山の上から見た景色が綺麗だった。
The view from the top of the mountain was beautiful.
庭を綺麗に手入れする。
To keep the garden well-maintained.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
