When talking about something's attractiveness or beauty, the Japanese word you'll want to use is 美しさ (utsukushisa). This word is a noun, so you can use it directly in sentences as the subject or object. For example, if you want to say 'the beauty of nature', you'd say 自然の美しさ (shizen no utsukushisa). It's a common word, and you'll hear it a lot in everyday conversation and media.
When talking about beauty in Japanese, the word you'll frequently encounter is 美しさ (utsukushisa). This noun directly translates to 'beauty' or 'attractiveness' in English.
You can use 美しさ to describe a wide range of things, from the beauty of nature, like a stunning landscape or a blooming flower, to the beauty of art, such as a painting or a piece of music. It can also refer to the beauty of a person, capturing their attractiveness or grace.
It's a versatile word that emphasizes the aesthetic quality of something, highlighting what makes it pleasing to the senses or admirable. Remember that while 美しい (utsukushii) is the adjective 'beautiful,' 美しさ is its noun form.
So, next time you want to express the concept of beauty, 美しさ is the word you'll reach for, helping you describe the captivating aspects of the world around you.
When discussing beauty in Japanese, 美しさ (utsukushisa) is a key term. It directly translates to "beauty" or "attractiveness." This noun is often used to describe the aesthetic quality of something, whether it's a person, a landscape, or even an abstract concept like the beauty of a piece of music. While it generally conveys a positive and appreciative sentiment, the specific nuance can vary depending on the context. For instance, you might use it to talk about the physical beauty of a flower, the emotional beauty of a poem, or the visual beauty of a painting.
When discussing beauty in Japanese, 美しさ (utsukushisa) is a straightforward and common choice. It directly translates to "beauty" or "attractiveness" and is a versatile noun you can use in many contexts, from describing a beautiful landscape to a person's beauty. However, be aware that while it covers a broad spectrum, it can sometimes be a bit general. For more nuanced descriptions, you might want to consider words like 美 (bi) which can also mean beauty but often carries a more aesthetic or artistic connotation, or 綺麗さ (kireisa), which refers more to cleanliness, prettiness, or neatness. The choice often depends on the specific aspect of beauty you want to emphasize, but 美しさ remains a solid and universally understood term.
美しさ in 30 Seconds
- quality
- attractiveness
- aesthetics
§ Understanding 美しさ (utsukushisa)
The Japanese word 美しさ (utsukushisa) is a noun that means 'beauty' or 'attractiveness'. It's a pretty straightforward word, but like many words, understanding how it's used in different contexts is key to mastering it. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of 'beauty' in English. It can refer to physical attractiveness, the beauty of nature, art, or even abstract concepts.
You'll hear and read 美しさ quite often in everyday Japanese, especially when people are describing things they find aesthetically pleasing. It's a common word, which is why it's rated at CEFR B1. This means it's a word you should definitely know and be comfortable using.
§ When to use 美しさ (utsukushisa)
You can use 美しさ to describe a wide range of 'beautiful' things. Here are some common situations:
- Describing people: While there are other words for 'pretty' or 'handsome', 美しさ can refer to a person's overall beauty or attractiveness.
- Nature: The beauty of mountains, oceans, flowers, or a sunset. This is a very common application.
- Art and culture: The beauty of a painting, a piece of music, a traditional craft, or a performance.
- Abstract concepts: Sometimes, people refer to the 'beauty' of an idea, a solution, or a mathematical equation. While less common for learners, it's good to be aware of this broader usage.
Let's look at some examples to get a better feel for it:
その花の美しさに感動した。
- Hint
- I was moved by the beauty of that flower.
彼女は内面の美しさも持っている。
- Hint
- She also possesses inner beauty.
日本の伝統芸術の美しさは世界中で認められている。
- Hint
- The beauty of traditional Japanese art is recognized worldwide.
Alright, let's break down how to use 美しさ (utsukushisa) in Japanese sentences. This word, meaning 'beauty' or 'attractiveness,' is a noun, which makes it fairly straightforward to integrate into your conversations.
§ Basic Sentence Structure with 美しさ
As a noun, 美しさ can be the subject or object of a sentence, or it can be modified by adjectives. Here are some common patterns.
§ 美しさ as the Subject
When 美しさ is the subject of a sentence, it's often followed by the particle が (ga) or は (wa), depending on the context.
その庭の美しさに感動した。
- Hint
- I was moved by the beauty of that garden.
彼の話には美しさがあった。
- Hint
- There was beauty in his story.
§ 美しさ as the Object
When 美しさ is the direct object of a verb, it will be followed by the particle を (o).
彼女は自然の美しさを愛している。
- Hint
- She loves the beauty of nature.
私たちはその作品の美しさを追求する。
- Hint
- We pursue the beauty of that artwork.
§ Modifying 美しさ with Adjectives
You can use adjectives to describe the type or quality of beauty. This is typically done by placing an い-adjective or な-adjective (followed by な) before 美しさ.
い-adjectives:
純粋な美しさは心に響く。
- Hint
- Pure beauty resonates in the heart.
な-adjectives:
神秘的な美しさに魅了された。
- Hint
- I was captivated by the mysterious beauty.
§ Expressions with 美しさ
You'll often hear 美しさ used in specific phrases. Here are a couple of common ones.
§ 美しさを感じる (utsukushisa o kanjiru - to feel beauty)
This is a very common way to express experiencing beauty.
夕焼けの美しさを感じた。
- Hint
- I felt the beauty of the sunset.
§ 美しさに惹かれる (utsukushisa ni hikareru - to be drawn to beauty)
Use this when something's beauty attracts you.
彼女の歌声の美しさに惹かれた。
- Hint
- I was drawn to the beauty of her singing voice.
§ 美しさ vs. 美しい (utsukushii)
It's crucial to understand the difference between 美しさ (utsukushisa - noun) and 美しい (utsukushii - い-adjective). They both relate to beauty, but their grammatical roles are different.
- DEFINITION
- 美しさ (utsukushisa): Noun. 'Beauty' or 'attractiveness.' It refers to the quality itself.
- DEFINITION
- 美しい (utsukushii): い-adjective. 'Beautiful.' It describes a noun.
この絵は美しい。(This painting is beautiful.)
この絵の美しさに驚いた。(I was surprised by the beauty of this painting.)
See the difference? In the first example, 美しい directly modifies 'painting.' In the second, 美しさ is a noun that 'beauty' (of the painting) is being expressed.
By practicing these sentence structures and understanding the nuances between the noun and adjective forms, you'll be able to use 美しさ naturally and effectively in your Japanese communication. Keep an eye out for it in native materials!
Let's look at the word 美しさ (utsukushisa), which means beauty or attractiveness. This is a common and useful word, and understanding how it fits with similar words will help you sound more natural in Japanese.
- Japanese Word
- 美しさ (utsukushisa)
- Pronunciation
- oo-tsoo-koo-shee-sah
- Part of Speech
- Noun
- CEFR Level
- B1
- Definition
- Beauty; attractiveness.
§ Basic Use
美しさ (utsukushisa) directly translates to "beauty." You can use it when talking about the beauty of nature, art, people, or anything that evokes a sense of aesthetic pleasure. It's a straightforward and general term.
その山の美しさに感動した。
I was moved by the beauty of that mountain.
彼女は彼の絵の美しさを高く評価した。
She highly appreciated the beauty of his painting.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
While 美しさ (utsukushisa) is a good general term for beauty, Japanese has several other words that can also mean "beauty" or have related connotations. The key is understanding the nuance.
- 美 (bi): This is a more formal and sometimes academic term for "beauty." It's often used in compound words or to refer to the abstract concept of beauty. You'll see it in words like 美意識 (bi-ishiki - aesthetic sense) or 美術 (bijutsu - art). While 美しさ (utsukushisa) can be used for everyday things, 美 (bi) tends to elevate the concept.
日本の伝統的な美を追求する。
To pursue traditional Japanese beauty (in an abstract, cultural sense).
- 綺麗 (kirei): This is an adjective meaning "beautiful," "pretty," "clean," or "neat." When you want to describe something *as* beautiful, you'll use 綺麗. 美しさ (utsukushisa) is the *noun* form, referring to the state of being beautiful.
この絵は本当に綺麗だ。
This painting is truly beautiful.
- 可愛い (kawaii): This means "cute" or "adorable." While something cute can also be beautiful, 可愛い specifically emphasizes charm and loveliness, often with a sense of innocence or smallness. It's not typically used for grand, majestic beauty.
彼女の笑顔はとても可愛い。
Her smile is very cute.
- 魅力 (miryoku): This means "charm," "fascination," or "allure." It focuses on the captivating quality of something, rather than just its visual appeal. While something beautiful can be charming, 魅力 specifically highlights the power to attract or entice.
彼の話には独特の魅力がある。
His stories have a unique charm.
In summary, use 美しさ (utsukushisa) as your general go-to noun for "beauty." When you want to describe something *as* beautiful, use 綺麗 (kirei). For a more abstract or philosophical sense of beauty, consider 美 (bi). For cuteness, use 可愛い (kawaii), and for charm or allure, use 魅力 (miryoku).
How Formal Is It?
"その庭園の美しさは、訪れる人々を魅了します。(Sono teien no utsukushisa wa, otozureru hitobito o miryō shimasu.) - The beauty of that garden captivates its visitors."
"この絵の美しさに感動しました。(Kono e no utsukushisa ni kandō shimashita.) - I was moved by the beauty of this painting."
"彼女の美しさには、いつも驚かされるよ。(Kanojo no utsukushisa ni wa, itsumo odorokasareru yo.) - I'm always surprised by her beauty."
"お花のきれいさに、ちょうちょがとまってるね。(O-hana no kirei-sa ni, chōcho ga tomatteru ne.) - Butterflies are stopping on the pretty flowers."
"あの人、マジ美人じゃん！(Ano hito, maji bijin jan!) - That person is seriously a beauty!"
Difficulty Rating
The kanji 美 (bi) is common and relatively easy to recognize. The hiragana ending さ (sa) is straightforward.
Writing the kanji 美 (bi) is simple, and the hiragana さ (sa) is basic.
Pronunciation is regular and follows standard Japanese phonetic rules.
Easy to distinguish in spoken Japanese.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
N + の + 美しさ: This pattern is used to describe the beauty of a noun.
日本の美しさ (Nihon no utsukushisa): The beauty of Japan.
〜さは〜です: This is a common way to state that something's beauty is a certain way.
彼女の美しさは息をのむほどです (Kanojo no utsukushisa wa iki o nomu hodo desu): Her beauty is breathtaking.
美しさを感じる (utsukushisa o kanjiru): To feel beauty; to perceive beauty.
私は自然の美しさを感じます (Watashi wa shizen no utsukushisa o kanjimasu): I feel the beauty of nature.
美しさに惹かれる (utsukushisa ni hikareru): To be attracted by beauty.
彼は彼女の美しさに惹かれました (Kare wa kanojo no utsukushisa ni hikaremashita): He was attracted by her beauty.
美しさが際立つ (utsukushisa ga kiwadatsu): Beauty stands out; beauty is prominent.
その絵の美しさが際立っています (Sono e no utsukushisa ga kiwadatte imasu): The beauty of that painting stands out.
Examples by Level
これは美しさがあります。
This has beauty.
その花は美しさでいっぱいです。
That flower is full of beauty.
彼女の絵には美しさがあります。
Her painting has beauty.
日本の庭園は美しさで有名です。
Japanese gardens are famous for beauty.
海の美しさに感動しました。
I was moved by the beauty of the sea.
この歌には特別な美しさがあります。
This song has a special beauty.
彼は自然の美しさを愛しています。
He loves the beauty of nature.
その古い寺院には静かな美しさがあります。
That old temple has a quiet beauty.
彼女は美しさで人々を魅了する。
She captivates people with her beauty.
自然の美しさに感動した。
I was moved by the beauty of nature.
この絵には独特の美しさがある。
This painting has a unique beauty.
彼の歌声には美しさがある。
His singing voice has beauty.
星空の美しさに息をのんだ。
I gasped at the beauty of the starry sky.
この街は歴史的な美しさで有名だ。
This city is famous for its historical beauty.
彼女は内面の美しさも持っている。
She also has inner beauty.
その花ははかない美しさだった。
That flower had a fleeting beauty.
彼女の絵は日本の伝統的な美しさを表現しています。
Her painting expresses traditional Japanese beauty.
自然の美しさに感動しました。
I was moved by the beauty of nature.
この庭園は静かな美しさを持っています。
This garden possesses a tranquil beauty.
彼の歌声には独特の美しさがあります。
His singing voice has a unique beauty.
古い町並みには、時の流れが作り出した美しさがあります。
The old townscape has a beauty created by the passage of time.
その瞬間の美しさは忘れられません。
The beauty of that moment is unforgettable.
彼女の内面の美しさが、外見にも表れています。
Her inner beauty is reflected in her outward appearance.
この景色は筆舌に尽くしがたい美しさだ。
This scenery has an indescribable beauty.
その絵画は、日本の伝統的な美しさを現代的な視点で表現している。
That painting expresses traditional Japanese beauty from a contemporary perspective.
Verb: 表現する (hyougen suru) - to express, to represent.
彼女の歌声には、聴く人の心を惹きつける独特の美しさがある。
Her singing voice has a unique beauty that captivates listeners' hearts.
Verb: 惹きつける (hikitsukeru) - to attract, to charm.
この庭園は、自然の美しさと人工的なデザインが調和している。
This garden harmonizes natural beauty with artificial design.
Verb: 調和する (chouwa suru) - to harmonize.
雪に覆われた山々の美しさは、息をのむほどだった。
The beauty of the snow-covered mountains was breathtaking.
Phrase: 息をのむほど (iki o nomu hodo) - breathtakingly, to the extent of holding one's breath.
一瞬の美しさを捉えるため、彼はシャッターチャンスを逃さなかった。
To capture a fleeting beauty, he didn't miss the photo opportunity.
Noun: シャッターチャンス (shattaa chansu) - photo opportunity (loanword).
この小説は、人間の心の奥底にある美しさを描いている。
This novel depicts the beauty deep within the human heart.
Phrase: 心の奥底 (kokoro no okusoko) - the depths of one's heart.
彼女は、見た目の美しさだけでなく、内面の美しさも兼ね備えている。
She possesses not only external beauty but also inner beauty.
Verb: 兼ね備える (kanesonaeru) - to have both, to be endowed with.
日本文化の美しさは、世界中で高く評価されている。
The beauty of Japanese culture is highly regarded worldwide.
Verb: 評価する (hyouka suru) - to evaluate, to assess; here, in passive form, 評価されている (hyouka sarete iru).
Idioms & Expressions
"美しい心 (utsukushii kokoro)"
Beautiful heart/spirit
彼女は美しい心を持っています。 (Kanojo wa utsukushii kokoro o motte imasu.) - She has a beautiful heart.
neutral"美の基準 (bi no kijun)"
Standards of beauty
美の基準は国によって異なります。 (Bi no kijun wa kuni ni yotte kotonarimasu.) - Standards of beauty differ by country.
neutral"美を追求する (bi o tsuikyū suru)"
To pursue beauty
彼は常に美を追求しています。 (Kare wa tsune ni bi o tsuikyū shite imasu.) - He is always pursuing beauty.
neutral"美に目覚める (bi ni mezameru)"
To awaken to beauty
自然の中で美に目覚めました。 (Shizen no naka de bi ni mezamemashita.) - I awakened to beauty in nature.
neutral"美を保つ (bi o tamotsu)"
To maintain beauty
彼女は若々しい美を保っています。 (Kanojo wa wakawakashii bi o tamotte imasu.) - She maintains her youthful beauty.
neutral"美の象徴 (bi no shōchō)"
Symbol of beauty
桜は日本の美の象徴です。 (Sakura wa Nihon no bi no shōchō desu.) - Cherry blossoms are a symbol of Japanese beauty.
neutral"美意識が高い (biishiki ga takai)"
Having a strong sense of aesthetics/beauty
彼は美意識が高い人です。 (Kare wa biishiki ga takai hito desu.) - He is a person with a strong sense of aesthetics.
neutral"美しくなる (utsukushiku naru)"
To become beautiful
努力して美しくなりましょう。 (Doryoku shite utsukushiku narimashō.) - Let's work hard to become beautiful.
neutral"美しさに感動する (utsukushisa ni kandō suru)"
To be moved by beauty
その景色の美しさに感動しました。 (Sono keshiki no utsukushisa ni kandō shimashita.) - I was moved by the beauty of that scenery.
neutral"美を愛する (bi o aisuru)"
To love beauty
彼女は美を愛する人です。 (Kanojo wa bi o aisuru hito desu.) - She is a person who loves beauty.
neutralWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
How to Use It
Use 美しさ (utsukushisa) to talk about beauty in a general sense, or the beauty of something specific like a landscape or a piece of art. It can also refer to a person's physical attractiveness. It's often used in more formal or poetic contexts.
A common mistake is to confuse 美しさ with 美しい (utsukushii), which is an adjective meaning 'beautiful'. Remember, 美しさ is a noun. For example, you'd say 'その絵は美しい' (Sono e wa utsukushii - That painting is beautiful), but 'その絵の美しさに感動した' (Sono e no utsukushisa ni kandou shita - I was moved by the beauty of that painting).
Tips
Basic Meaning of 美しさ
美しさ (utsukushisa) is a noun meaning beauty or attractiveness. It's often used to describe things that are aesthetically pleasing.
Related Adjective 美しい
The adjective form is 美しい (utsukushii), meaning beautiful. You'll hear this more often in daily conversation than the noun form.
Usage with を感じる
You can say 美しさを感じる (utsukushisa o kanjiru) to mean 'to feel beauty' or 'to experience beauty'.
Describing Nature
美しさ is commonly used to describe the beauty of nature, like mountains, flowers, or scenery.
Referring to Art
You can also use it when talking about the beauty in art, such as paintings, music, or literature.
Not Just Visual
While often visual, 美しさ can also refer to the beauty of sound, a person's character, or even a concept.
Don't Confuse with 可愛い
美しさ (beauty) is different from 可愛い (kawaii), which means cute. Something beautiful is generally more mature or profound than something cute.
Subtle Expressions of Beauty
Japanese culture often appreciates subtle and transient forms of beauty, like the falling cherry blossoms.
Adding More Emphasis
To add emphasis, you can say 本当の美しさ (hontou no utsukushisa) meaning 'true beauty' or 'real beauty'.
Practice with Sentences
Try making sentences like 日本の自然の美しさ (nihon no shizen no utsukushisa) which means 'the beauty of Japanese nature'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing natural scenery
- 山の美しさ (yama no utsukushisa) - beauty of the mountains
- 海の美しさ (umi no utsukushisa) - beauty of the sea
- 桜の美しさ (sakura no utsukushisa) - beauty of cherry blossoms
Talking about art or architecture
- 芸術の美しさ (geijutsu no utsukushisa) - beauty of art
- 建物の美しさ (tatemono no utsukushisa) - beauty of a building
- デザインの美しさ (dezain no utsukushisa) - beauty of the design
Referring to a person's appearance or inner qualities
- 彼女の美しさ (kanojo no utsukushisa) - her beauty
- 心の美しさ (kokoro no utsukushisa) - inner beauty
- 魂の美しさ (tamashii no utsukushisa) - beauty of the soul
Discussing the beauty of abstract concepts
- 音楽の美しさ (ongaku no utsukushisa) - beauty of music
- 言葉の美しさ (kotoba no utsukushisa) - beauty of words
- 文化の美しさ (bunka no utsukushisa) - beauty of culture
Expressing admiration
- その美しさに感動した (sono utsukushisa ni kando shita) - I was moved by its beauty
- 美しさに魅了された (utsukushisa ni miryō sareta) - I was captivated by the beauty
- 比類ない美しさ (hirui nai utsukushisa) - incomparable beauty
Conversation Starters
"日本のどこが一番美しいと思いますか？ (Nihon no doko ga ichiban utsukushii to omoimasu ka?) - Where do you think is the most beautiful place in Japan?"
"あなたが最近感動した「美しさ」は何ですか？ (Anata ga saikin kandō shita "utsukushisa" wa nan desu ka?) - What kind of 'beauty' have you been moved by recently?"
"人にとって「心の美しさ」とは何だと思いますか？ (Hito ni totte "kokoro no utsukushisa" to wa nan da to omoimasu ka?) - What do you think 'inner beauty' means to people?"
"日本の伝統文化の美しさについて、どう思いますか？ (Nihon no dentō bunka no utsukushisa ni tsuite, dō omoimasu ka?) - What do you think about the beauty of traditional Japanese culture?"
"あなたの国で有名な「美しさ」のシンボルは何ですか？ (Anata no kuni de yūmei na "utsukushisa" no shinboru wa nan desu ka?) - What is a famous symbol of 'beauty' in your country?"
Journal Prompts
あなたが美しいと感じるものについて、具体的に描写してください。 (Anata ga utsukushii to kanjiru mono ni tsuite, gutaiteki ni byōsha shite kudasai.) - Describe in detail something you find beautiful.
「美しさ」の定義は人によってどう違うと思いますか？ ("Utsukushisa" no teigi wa hito ni yotte dō chigau to omoimasu ka?) - How do you think the definition of 'beauty' differs from person to person?
自然の美しさと人間の作り出した美しさ、どちらに惹かれますか？その理由も教えてください。 (Shizen no utsukushisa to ningen no tsukuridashita utsukushisa, dochira ni hikaremasu ka? Sono riyū mo oshiete kudasai.) - Are you more attracted to the beauty of nature or man-made beauty? Please also tell me why.
あなたの人生で「美しさ」がどのように影響を与えましたか？ (Anata no jinsei de "utsukushisa" ga dono yō ni eikyō o ataemashita ka?) - How has 'beauty' influenced your life?
もしあなたが世界で一番美しいものを選ぶとしたら、それは何ですか？その理由も説明してください。 (Moshi anata ga sekai de ichiban utsukushii mono o erabu to shitara, sore wa nan desu ka? Sono riyū mo setsumei shite kudasai.) - If you were to choose the most beautiful thing in the world, what would it be? Please also explain why.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions美しさ (utsukushisa) is a noun, meaning 'beauty' or 'attractiveness.' It refers to the quality itself. For example, you can say 「その花の美しさに感動した。」 (Sono hana no utsukushisa ni kandō shita.) - 'I was moved by the beauty of that flower.'
美しい (utsukushii) is an i-adjective, meaning 'beautiful.' It describes something. For example, 「美しい花」 (utsukushii hana) - 'a beautiful flower.'
Yes, absolutely! You can use 美しさ (utsukushisa) to describe the beauty of a person. For example, 「彼女の美しさに目を奪われた。」 (Kanojo no utsukushisa ni me o ubawareta.) - 'I was captivated by her beauty.' It's a very common and natural way to express it.
While not a fixed idiom, you'll often hear phrases like 「美しさを感じる」 (utsukushisa o kanjiru) - 'to feel beauty' or 「美しさを追求する」 (utsukushisa o tsuikyū suru) - 'to pursue beauty.' These show how 美しさ is used in everyday expressions.
Both can refer to beauty, but they have slightly different nuances. 美しさ (utsukushisa) often suggests a deeper, more profound, or artistic beauty. It can be physical or abstract.
綺麗さ (kireisa) generally implies cleanliness, neatness, and a more superficial or immediate kind of beauty. Something can be 綺麗 (kirei) without being 深く美しい (fukaku utsukushii - deeply beautiful). Think of it like this: a clean room is 綺麗, but a breathtaking sunset has 美しさ.
The kanji is 美 (bi), which means 'beauty.' The suffix しさ (shisa) is added to i-adjectives to turn them into nouns, denoting a quality or state. So, 美しい (utsukushii - beautiful) becomes 美しさ (utsukushisa - beauty).
No, 美しさ (utsukushisa) specifically refers to beauty. If you want to talk about 'ugliness,' you would use a different word, like 醜さ (minikusa). They are antonyms.
Yes, beauty, or 美しさ (utsukushisa), holds significant cultural importance in Japan. It's often associated with nature, art, and traditional aesthetics like wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection and transience). It's a highly valued concept.
It's pronounced うつくしさ (u-tsu-ku-shi-sa). The 'u' sounds are short, and the 'tsu' is a single sound, like the 'ts' in 'cats.' The emphasis is relatively flat across the syllables.
美しさ (utsukushisa) is generally a neutral and appropriate word for both formal and informal contexts. It's not overly formal, but it's also not slang. You can use it widely.
Absolutely! 美しさ (utsukushisa) can certainly refer to inner beauty, such as the beauty of one's character, kindness, or spirit. For example, 「彼女の心の美しさに惹かれた。」 (Kanojo no kokoro no utsukushisa ni hikareta.) - 'I was drawn to the beauty of her heart.'
Test Yourself 114 questions
Which of these means 'beauty'?
美しさ (utsukushisa) directly translates to 'beauty' or 'attractiveness'.
If something is 'utsukushii', what is it?
美しさ (utsukushisa) is the noun 'beauty'. 美しい (utsukushii) is the adjective 'beautiful'.
Which word describes a nice-looking flower?
美しい (utsukushii) means 'beautiful', which is suitable for describing a nice-looking flower. 速い (hayai) means 'fast', 高い (takai) means 'tall/expensive', and 寒い (samui) means 'cold'.
美しさ (utsukushisa) means 'cold'.
美しさ (utsukushisa) means 'beauty' or 'attractiveness', not 'cold'.
You can use 美しさ (utsukushisa) to talk about the beauty of a mountain.
美しさ (utsukushisa) means 'beauty', and can be used to describe the beauty of various things, including natural scenery like a mountain.
美しい (utsukushii) is a noun.
美しい (utsukushii) is an adjective meaning 'beautiful'. The noun form is 美しさ (utsukushisa).
この花の___は素晴らしいです。
「美しさ」は「beauty」を意味し、花の外見の魅力を表すのに適切です。
彼女は日本の文化の___に感動しました。
「美しさ」は文化の魅力的な側面を指すのに使われます。
富士山の___は世界中で有名です。
富士山の魅力的な景観は「美しさ」で表現されます。
この絵の___は見る人を惹きつけます。
絵の視覚的な魅力を表すのは「美しさ」です。
彼は自然の___を守る活動をしています。
自然の魅力的な状態を保護するという意味で「美しさ」が適切です。
その音楽の___は心に響きます。
音楽の心地よさや感動的な側面を指すのに「美しさ」が使われます。
She was moved by something.
The beauty of this painting is...
Something about Mt. Fuji caught their eye.
Read this aloud:
その花の美しさに驚きました。
Focus: うつくしさ (utsukushisa)
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Read this aloud:
日本の自然の美しさが好きです。
Focus: しぜんの (shizen no)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
彼女は内面の美しさも持っています。
Focus: ないめんの (naimen no)
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Write a short sentence describing something you find beautiful in nature, using the word 美しさ (utsukushisa).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この花の美しさに感動しました。 (I was moved by the beauty of this flower.)
Imagine you are describing a beautiful piece of art. Use 美しさ (utsukushisa) in your sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この絵には特別な美しさがあります。 (This painting has a special beauty.)
Complete the sentence: 日本の___は有名です。 (Japan's ___ is famous.) Use 美しさ (utsukushisa) to refer to something general.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本の自然の美しさは有名です。 (Japan's natural beauty is famous.)
何が京都の秋の美しさで有名ですか？ (What is famous for its beauty in Kyoto's autumn?)
Read this passage:
日本の京都には、古いお寺や美しい庭がたくさんあります。特に秋の紅葉は、その美しさで有名です。多くの観光客がその景色を見に訪れます。
何が京都の秋の美しさで有名ですか？ (What is famous for its beauty in Kyoto's autumn?)
文章には「特に秋の紅葉は、その美しさで有名です」と書かれています。 (The passage states, 'Especially the autumn leaves are famous for their beauty.')
文章には「特に秋の紅葉は、その美しさで有名です」と書かれています。 (The passage states, 'Especially the autumn leaves are famous for their beauty.')
この歌手の何に美しさがありますか？ (What about this singer has beauty?)
Read this passage:
この歌手の声には、心に響く美しさがあります。彼女の歌を聞くと、いつも感動します。
この歌手の何に美しさがありますか？ (What about this singer has beauty?)
「この歌手の声には、心に響く美しさがあります」と明記されています。 (It is clearly stated, 'This singer's voice has a beauty that touches the heart.')
「この歌手の声には、心に響く美しさがあります」と明記されています。 (It is clearly stated, 'This singer's voice has a beauty that touches the heart.')
彼は何の美しさを写真に収めるのが好きですか？ (What kind of beauty does he like to capture in photos?)
Read this passage:
彼は写真家として、世界の美しい場所を旅しています。特に海の美しさを写真に収めるのが好きです。
彼は何の美しさを写真に収めるのが好きですか？ (What kind of beauty does he like to capture in photos?)
「特に海の美しさを写真に収めるのが好きです」と書かれています。 (It is written, 'He especially likes to capture the beauty of the sea in photos.')
「特に海の美しさを写真に収めるのが好きです」と書かれています。 (It is written, 'He especially likes to capture the beauty of the sea in photos.')
This sentence means 'It is the beauty of the flower.' We start with the topic 'flower's beauty' (花の美しさ), mark it with 'は', and end with the copula 'です'.
This means 'I feel that beauty.' 'その美しさ' (that beauty) is the direct object marked by 'を', followed by the verb '感じます' (to feel).
This translates to 'The beauty of nature is amazing.' '自然の美しさ' (beauty of nature) is the topic, 'は' marks it, and '驚くべきです' means 'is amazing'.
Choose the best English translation for 「美しさ」:
「美しさ」 (utsukushisa) directly translates to 'beauty' or 'attractiveness' in English.
Which word is an antonym (opposite) of 「美しさ」?
「醜さ」 (minikusa) means 'ugliness' and is the opposite of 「美しさ」 (utsukushisa - beauty).
Fill in the blank: あの絵には特別な____があります。
The sentence 'あの絵には特別な____があります。' means 'That painting has a special ____.' 'Beauty' fits best here to describe the quality of a painting.
「美しさ」 can describe the attractiveness of a person.
Yes, 「美しさ」 (utsukushisa) can refer to both the beauty of objects, nature, and people's attractiveness.
The word 「美しさ」 is a verb.
「美しさ」 (utsukushisa) is a noun, meaning 'beauty' or 'attractiveness'. Its related adjective is 「美しい」 (utsukushii - beautiful).
You can use 「美しさ」 to describe the taste of food.
「美しさ」 (utsukushisa) refers to visual beauty or attractiveness, not taste. For taste, you'd use words like 「美味しさ」 (oishisa - deliciousness).
The beauty of Kyoto always impresses me.
Her beauty comes from within.
I was fascinated by the beauty of this painting.
Read this aloud:
日本の自然の美しさについて話してください。
Focus: うつくしさ (utsukushisa)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
あなたが考える「美しさ」とは何ですか？
Focus: びじょ (bijyo)
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Read this aloud:
この歌の美しさに感動しました。
Focus: かんどう (kandou)
You said:
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彼女の顔の___は、見る人を魅了する。
文脈から、顔の魅力を表す「美しさ」が適切です。
この絵画の___は、言葉では表現できないほどだ。
絵画の素晴らしい視覚的魅力を表現するには「美しさ」が最も適しています。
自然の___に感動し、写真を撮り始めた。
自然の景観がもたらす感情的な反応として「美しさ」が適切です。
日本の伝統文化には、独特の___がある。
文化の魅力や芸術性を語る文脈では「美しさ」が自然です。
彼女は内面の___も兼ね備えている。
外面だけでなく内面の魅力も指すことができるため「美しさ」が適切です。
その庭園は手入れが行き届いており、その___は際立っていた。
手入れが行き届いた庭園の視覚的な魅力を表現するには「美しさ」が最適です。
Choose the sentence where 「美しさ」 is used correctly.
「美しさ」 (utsukushisa) is a noun meaning 'beauty' or 'attractiveness'. It is correctly used here to describe the beauty of Japanese culture. The other options use the word incorrectly.
Which word is the most appropriate synonym for 「美しさ」 in the context of a beautiful landscape?
While '景色' means landscape, and '綺麗' means clean or beautiful (adjective), '魅力' (miryoku) means charm or attractiveness, which is the closest synonym to 'beauty' when describing a landscape. '可愛さ' means cuteness.
Select the sentence that best describes the 'beauty' of a person's inner qualities.
「美しさ」 can refer to both external and internal beauty. This sentence correctly uses it to describe the inner beauty of a person's heart, contrasting it with external appearance.
「美しさ」 can be used to describe the quality of a beautiful painting.
Yes, '美しさ' can certainly be used to describe the aesthetic quality of a painting or any work of art.
「美しさ」 is generally used to describe something ugly or unpleasant.
No, '美しさ' specifically refers to beauty or attractiveness, not ugliness or unpleasantness.
「美しさ」 can only be used to describe a physical appearance.
'美しさ' can describe both physical appearance and abstract concepts like the beauty of a song, a scene, or even inner qualities.
Her beauty captivated me.
The beauty of this garden is inexpressible.
Inner beauty is also important.
Read this aloud:
日本の自然の美しさについて話してください。
Focus: にほんのしぜんのうつくしさ
You said:
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Read this aloud:
あなたが考える「美しさ」とは何ですか？
Focus: あなたがおもううつくしさ
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Read this aloud:
この絵の美しさについて説明してください。
Focus: このえのうつくしさ
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This sentence means 'That painting possesses an indescribable beauty.' The correct order follows the typical Japanese sentence structure of topic-comment, with '美しさ' being the direct object of '持っています'.
This sentence translates to 'Her inner beauty is reflected in her face.' The particles が and にも are crucial for indicating the subject of '表れています' (is reflected) and the location where it is reflected.
This sentence means 'Each of Japan's four seasons has its own unique beauty.' The structure emphasizes that each season possesses its own specific kind of beauty.
彼女の歌声には、聴く人の心を惹きつける独特の___がある。
文脈から、歌声が人の心を惹きつける魅力について述べているため、「美しさ」が適切です。（Her singing voice has a unique ___ that captivates listeners' hearts.)
この絵画は、色彩の調和と繊細な筆致によって、深い___を表現している。
絵画が色彩や筆致によって表現する魅力について述べているため、「美しさ」が適切です。（This painting expresses deep ___ through the harmony of colors and delicate brushwork.)
古都の街並みには、歴史が織りなす独特の___が息づいている。
古都の街並みが持つ、歴史によって作られた魅力について述べているため、「美しさ」が適切です。（The old capital's townscape breathes with a unique ___ woven by history.)
富士山の頂から望む日の出は、言葉では表現できない___であった。
富士山から見る日の出の壮大で感動的な様子を表すには、「美しさ」が適切です。（The sunrise viewed from the summit of Mt. Fuji was an indescribable ___.)
彼女は内面の___が外見にも表れているかのように、いつも輝いている。
内面からくる輝きが外見に現れているという文脈から、「美しさ」が適切です。（She always shines as if her inner ___ is reflected in her appearance.)
この庭園は、四季折々の花々が織りなす自然の___を存分に楽しめる。
庭園で四季の花々が楽しめるという文脈から、自然が作り出す魅力として「美しさ」が適切です。（This garden allows one to fully enjoy the natural ___ woven by flowers of the four seasons.)
この絵画の___は、見る人の心を捉えます。
この文脈では、絵画が人の心を捉える魅力について話しているので、「美しさ」が適切です。他の選択肢は文脈に合いません。
彼女は自然の___を写真に収めることに情熱を注いでいます。
「情熱を注いでいる」という表現から、ポジティブな意味合いの言葉が入ることがわかります。自然の「美しさ」を写真に収めることはよくあることです。
日本の庭園は、その___で世界的に有名です。
日本の庭園は、その視覚的な魅力、つまり「美しさ」で世界的に高く評価されています。
「美しさ」という言葉は、主に物理的な魅力に対してのみ使われます。
「美しさ」は、物理的な魅力だけでなく、内面的な美しさ、芸術的な美しさ、自然の美しさなど、幅広い文脈で使われます。
「美しさ」は感情を表す言葉です。
「美しさ」は名詞で、質や特性を表す言葉です。感情そのものではありませんが、美しいものを見たときに感情が引き起こされることはあります。
「美しさ」は、ある対象が持つ魅力的な性質を指します。
はい、その通りです。「美しさ」は、物や人が持つ、人を惹きつける魅力的な性質や状態を指します。
The beauty of the painting captured my heart.
She also possesses inner beauty.
Let's go on a trip to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Read this aloud:
京都の古き良き美しさに感動しました。
Focus: うつくしさ
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Read this aloud:
彼のスピーチには言葉の美しさがありました。
Focus: ことばのうつくしさ
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Read this aloud:
この庭園は日本の伝統的な美しさを表現しています。
Focus: でんとうてきなうつくしさ
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彼女の絵には独特の___があります。
The sentence is about the unique 'beauty' in her painting. '素晴らしさ' (splendor), '楽しさ' (enjoyment), and '優しさ' (kindness) don't fit the context as well.
この庭園は日本の伝統的な___を象徴しています。
The garden symbolizes traditional Japanese 'beauty'. While '静けさ' (tranquility) could be related, '美しさ' directly refers to the aesthetic quality.
私たちは自然の___に深く感動しました。
The sentence expresses deep emotion about the 'beauty' of nature. '大きさ' (size), '厳しさ' (severity), and '儚さ' (transience) don't convey the same sense of admiration.
その女優は、内面からもあふれる___を持っています。
The actress possesses 'beauty' that radiates from within. '賢さ' (wisdom), '強さ' (strength), and '若さ' (youth) are not the primary focus when speaking of inner radiance in this context.
この街の夜景は息をのむような___で、多くの観光客を魅了します。
The night view of the city possesses breathtaking 'beauty' that attracts tourists. '賑やかさ' (liveliness) describes an aspect of a city, but '美しさ' captures the visual appeal.
彼は言葉の___を巧みに操り、聴衆を魅了した。
He skillfully manipulated the 'beauty' of words to captivate the audience. While '面白さ' (interestingness) or '響き' (resonance) could be plausible, '美しさ' specifically refers to the aesthetic quality of language.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼女の絵は、見る人を魅了する___に満ちている。
The sentence describes how her painting captivates viewers, implying it is full of 'beauty'.
Which of the following phrases best describes the '美しさ' of a sunset?
A sunset's '美しさ' is often appreciated for its fleeting, momentary brilliance, rather than its predictability or simple color changes.
Select the sentence where '美しさ' is used in a more abstract or philosophical sense.
This sentence uses '美しさ' to refer to inner qualities, which is a more abstract or philosophical application compared to physical attributes.
「美しさ」は、しばしば自然界の完璧さを表現する際に用いられる。
The word '美しさ' is frequently used to describe the perfection found in nature, such as landscapes or flora.
「美しさ」は、常に視覚的な魅力を指し、音や感情には適用されない。
'美しさ' can refer to aesthetic qualities beyond the visual, including the beauty of music, a voice, or even an emotion or act.
「美しさ」という言葉は、個人の主観的な感覚によってその解釈が大きく異なる。
What one person perceives as '美しさ' can differ greatly from another's perception, highlighting the subjective nature of beauty.
What quality does the painting possess that words cannot express?
What is special about her singing voice?
How do Japanese gardens utilize natural beauty?
Read this aloud:
この風景の美しさに感動しました。
Focus: うつくしさ
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Read this aloud:
彼女の内面の美しさは外見以上です。
Focus: ないめんのうつくしさ
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Read this aloud:
この建築物の美しさは時代を超えて愛されています。
Focus: けんちくぶつのうつくしさ
You said:
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Describe a place you've visited that truly captivated you with its '美しさ' (beauty). Focus on sensory details and how that beauty made you feel. Include the word '美しさ' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日訪れた京都の嵐山は、その自然の美しさで私の心を深く打ちました。特に、竹林の小径を歩いた時の光と影のコントラストは息をのむほどでした。静寂の中で竹が風にそよぐ音は、まるで自然が奏でる音楽のようで、その美しさに完全に魅了されました。
Discuss how the concept of '美しさ' (beauty) in Japanese art or culture might differ from Western perceptions. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points. Include the word '美しさ' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本の「美しさ」の概念は、西洋のそれとは異なる側面が多いと感じます。例えば、わび・さびに見られるような、不完全さや簡素さの中に宿る美しさは、完璧さを追求する西洋美術とは対照的です。また、自然との調和を重んじる「美しさ」は、庭園や生け花など、日本の様々な芸術形式に深く根ざしています。
Imagine you are a poet. Write a short poem (3-4 lines) expressing the fleeting nature of '美しさ' (beauty), using imagery related to seasons or time. Include the word '美しさ' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
春の花の美しさ、やがて散りゆく定め。 夏の空の輝きも、秋の夕闇に消え。 時の流れは容赦なく、全てを移ろう。 されど心に刻まれし、その美しさは永遠に。
この文章によると、「美しさ」という言葉は、日本の文化においてどのような意味合いを持つことがありますか？
Read this passage:
「美しさ」という言葉は、単に外見的な魅力だけでなく、内面の豊かさや精神的な崇高さを指すこともあります。例えば、日本の武士道における「散り際の美しさ」や、不完全さの中に価値を見出す「わび・さび」の概念は、西洋の美的感覚とは一線を画します。これは、日本文化が自然との共生や、時間の流れの中で変化するものを慈しむ心を持つからかもしれません。
この文章によると、「美しさ」という言葉は、日本の文化においてどのような意味合いを持つことがありますか？
文章中で、「単に外見的な魅力だけでなく、内面の豊かさや精神的な崇高さを指すこともあります」と明記されています。
文章中で、「単に外見的な魅力だけでなく、内面の豊かさや精神的な崇高さを指すこともあります」と明記されています。
源氏物語における「美しさ」は、主にどのようなものを反映していましたか？
Read this passage:
文学作品において「美しさ」はしばしば重要なテーマとして扱われます。源氏物語における光源氏の容姿端麗さや、和歌に詠まれる自然の美しさは、当時の貴族社会の美的価値観を反映しています。しかし、時代が下るとともに、庶民の生活の中に見出される素朴な「美しさ」もまた、多くの人々に共感されるようになりました。
源氏物語における「美しさ」は、主にどのようなものを反映していましたか？
文章中で、「源氏物語における光源氏の容姿端麗さや、和歌に詠まれる自然の美しさは、当時の貴族社会の美的価値観を反映しています」と述べられています。
文章中で、「源氏物語における光源氏の容姿端麗さや、和歌に詠まれる自然の美しさは、当時の貴族社会の美的価値観を反映しています」と述べられています。
現代社会における「美しさ」の基準について、この文章はどのように述べていますか？
Read this passage:
現代社会において「美しさ」の基準は多様化しています。グローバル化の進展やSNSの普及により、世界中の様々な美の概念が共有されるようになりました。しかし、そのような中でも、日本人独自の「美意識」は依然として存在し、伝統的な工芸品や建築、あるいは現代のファッションやデザインにもその影響を見ることができます。
現代社会における「美しさ」の基準について、この文章はどのように述べていますか？
文章中で、「現代社会において『美しさ』の基準は多様化しています。グローバル化の進展やSNSの普及により、世界中の様々な美の概念が共有されるようになりました」と説明されています。
文章中で、「現代社会において『美しさ』の基準は多様化しています。グローバル化の進展やSNSの普及により、世界中の様々な美の概念が共有されるようになりました」と説明されています。
This sentence means 'That painting captivated people with its unparalleled beauty.' The order is Subject (絵画), followed by the descriptor of its beauty (比類ない美しさで), and then the verb (魅了した).
This translates to 'Her inner beauty is reflected in her face.' The structure begins with the subject (彼女は), then describes the source of beauty (内面の美しさが), and finally how it manifests (顔にも表れている).
This sentence means 'Japanese traditional culture has a unique beauty.' It starts with the subject phrase (日本の伝統文化には), followed by the adjective describing the beauty (独特の), and then the noun 'beauty' (美しさがある).
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Summary
美しさ refers to beauty or attractiveness, applicable to both tangible and intangible aspects.
- quality
- attractiveness
- aesthetics
Basic Meaning of 美しさ
美しさ (utsukushisa) is a noun meaning beauty or attractiveness. It's often used to describe things that are aesthetically pleasing.
Related Adjective 美しい
The adjective form is 美しい (utsukushii), meaning beautiful. You'll hear this more often in daily conversation than the noun form.
Usage with を感じる
You can say 美しさを感じる (utsukushisa o kanjiru) to mean 'to feel beauty' or 'to experience beauty'.
Describing Nature
美しさ is commonly used to describe the beauty of nature, like mountains, flowers, or scenery.
Example
この花の美しさには目を見張るものがある。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
