Handsome is a polite and versatile term to praise a man's attractive physical appearance and demeanor.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used primarily to describe a man with a good appearance.
- Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese grammar.
- Conveys a sense of refinement and classic attractiveness.
概要
「ハンサムな」は英語の“handsome”から来た外来語で、男性の容姿を褒める際に最も一般的に使われる言葉の一つです。単に顔が整っているだけでなく、清潔感や知的な雰囲気を含めた「格好良さ」を指すことが多いです。
一般的な文脈
日常会話で男性を褒める際に多用されます。最近では若い世代を中心に「イケメン」という言葉が定着していますが、「ハンサム」はそれよりもやや上品で落ち着いた響きがあり、ビジネスシーンや少しフォーマルな紹介の場でも違和感なく使えます。
類語との比較
「イケメン」は若者言葉で親しみやすさを強調しますが、「ハンサム」は年齢を問わず使え、より客観的で整った容姿を評価するニュアンスが強いです。「男前」は関西地方でよく使われ、容姿だけでなく性格や行動の潔さを含めて評価する際に用いられます。
Examples
彼はとてもハンサムな人ですね。
everydayHe is a very handsome man.
あちらのハンサムな方が担当者です。
formalThe handsome gentleman over there is the person in charge.
昨日、ハンサムな俳優を見た。
informalI saw a handsome actor yesterday.
古典文学にはハンサムな貴族がよく登場する。
academicHandsome nobles often appear in classical literature.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ハンサムな顔
Handsome face
本当にハンサムですね
He is really handsome, isn't he?
ハンサムな振る舞い
Handsome behavior
Often Confused With
Ikemen is a modern slang term for attractive men, often implying a trendy or cool style. Handsome is more traditional and formal.
Otokomae refers to a man who is not only good-looking but also has a strong, reliable, or chivalrous personality.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Handsome is a na-adjective, meaning it requires 'na' before nouns. It is neutral to formal in tone. It is used almost exclusively for males.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use it for women, which is incorrect. Some also forget to add 'na' when modifying a noun. Avoid using it in highly professional settings unless the context is appropriate.
Tips
Use it for polite compliments
When you want to compliment a man's appearance in a respectful way, 'handsome' is a safe and standard choice.
Avoid using it for women
Calling a woman 'handsome' in Japanese is not standard and might cause confusion. Use 'bijin' or 'kirei' instead.
The shift toward 'Ikemen'
While 'handsome' remains popular, the slang 'ikemen' has become the dominant term for attractive men in casual youth culture.
Word Origin
Derived directly from the English word 'handsome'. It entered the Japanese language during the Meiji era as Western concepts of beauty were introduced.
Cultural Context
The term reflects the influence of Western beauty standards in Japan. Over time, it has become a standard loanword used across all generations.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Handy Sam' who is so good-looking that everyone notices him. 'Handy Sam' sounds like 'Handsome'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions基本的には男性に対して使います。女性に対しては「美しい」や「きれいな」、あるいは「美人」という言葉を使うのが一般的です。
「イケメン」は若者言葉で、親しみや流行の格好良さを指すことが多いです。「ハンサム」はより伝統的で、容姿が整っていることを客観的に褒める際に適しています。
褒め言葉として使う分には問題ありませんが、外見に言及することはプライベートな領域に触れるため、相手との関係性を考慮して使うのが無難です。
明確な一語の対義語はありませんが、容姿が整っていないことを指す場合は「不細工（ぶさいく）」という言葉がありますが、非常に失礼な表現なので日常的には使わないほうが賢明です。
Test Yourself
彼はとても___男性です。
名詞を修飾する形容動詞には「な」が必要です。
Score: /1
Summary
Handsome is a polite and versatile term to praise a man's attractive physical appearance and demeanor.
- Used primarily to describe a man with a good appearance.
- Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese grammar.
- Conveys a sense of refinement and classic attractiveness.
Use it for polite compliments
When you want to compliment a man's appearance in a respectful way, 'handsome' is a safe and standard choice.
Avoid using it for women
Calling a woman 'handsome' in Japanese is not standard and might cause confusion. Use 'bijin' or 'kirei' instead.
The shift toward 'Ikemen'
While 'handsome' remains popular, the slang 'ikemen' has become the dominant term for attractive men in casual youth culture.
Examples
4 of 4彼はとてもハンサムな人ですね。
He is a very handsome man.
あちらのハンサムな方が担当者です。
The handsome gentleman over there is the person in charge.
昨日、ハンサムな俳優を見た。
I saw a handsome actor yesterday.
古典文学にはハンサムな貴族がよく登場する。
Handsome nobles often appear in classical literature.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
