Handsome is a polite and slightly formal way to praise a man's appearance and charm.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used primarily to describe a handsome man.
- Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese sentences.
- Implies both physical appearance and overall charm.
概要
「ハンサム」は英語の「handsome」から来た外来語で、主に男性に対して「顔立ちが整っている」「かっこいい」と褒める時に使用されます。日本社会では、単なる身体的な特徴だけでなく、その人の持つ雰囲気やスマートな態度を含めて評価する際に使われることが多いです。
一般的な文脈
日常会話で友人や知人を褒める際に頻繁に使われます。また、映画俳優やモデルなど、一般的に見て容姿が優れている人に対しても使われます。ただし、女性に対して使うことはほとんどなく、女性の場合は「きれい」「美しい」「美人」などが適しています。
類語との比較
「かっこいい」は最も汎用性が高く、男性の容姿だけでなく、行動や性格も含めて使えます。「イケメン」は若者言葉で、よりカジュアルに「顔がかっこいい男性」を指します。「ハンサム」は「かっこいい」よりも少し古風あるいは少し落ち着いた響きがあり、大人っぽい男性に対して使われる傾向があります。
Examples
彼はとてもハンサムな人ですね。
everydayHe is a very handsome man.
映画の主人公はハンサムでした。
formalThe movie protagonist was handsome.
昔の俳優はみんなハンサムだった。
informalOld actors were all handsome.
彼は容姿端麗で、まさにハンサムと言える。
academicHe is physically beautiful and can be called handsome.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ハンサムな顔立ち
Handsome facial features
ハンサムな振る舞い
Handsome behavior
Often Confused With
Ikemen is a modern, slang-like term for a handsome man. It is more casual and focuses heavily on facial attractiveness.
Kakkoii is a broad term meaning cool or stylish. It can apply to men, women, objects, or actions, unlike handsome.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Handsome is used as a na-adjective. It is slightly formal compared to slang terms like ikemen. It is exclusively for male subjects.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using it for women. Another error is omitting the 'na' when connecting to a noun. Learners sometimes confuse it with 'kirei', which is for women.
Tips
Focus on the 'na' adjective usage
Remember that handsome is a na-adjective. Always use 'na' before a noun, such as 'handsome na hito'.
Avoid using for women
This word is exclusively for men. Using it for women is considered incorrect and potentially rude.
The shift in popularity
While 'handsome' was very popular in the Showa era, younger generations now prefer the term 'ikemen' for casual use.
Word Origin
Derived from the English word 'handsome'. It entered the Japanese language during the Meiji period as a loanword.
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'handsome' represents a classic, refined type of beauty. While slang like 'ikemen' is more common among youth, 'handsome' remains a respectful way to describe a gentleman.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Handy-Sam' who is so handsome that he helps everyone. Handsome starts with 'Hand'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsいいえ、基本的には男性に対してのみ使われます。女性に対して使うと不自然に聞こえるため、避けた方が無難です。
「イケメン」はより若者言葉でカジュアルな響きがあります。「ハンサム」は少し上品で落ち着いた印象を与える言葉です。
「ハンサムな人」のように名詞の前に置く場合は「な」を使い、文の終わりで「彼はハンサムだ」と断定する場合は「だ（です）」を使います。
相手との関係性によりますが、あまりに容姿に言及するのは失礼にあたる可能性があるため、ビジネスシーンでは控えるのが賢明です。
Test Yourself
彼はとても___男性です。
名詞を修飾するため、な形容詞の連体形である「な」を使います。
次のうち、正しい使い方はどれですか？
男性の容姿を褒める正しい文法です。
（人 / ハンサムな / 彼は / です）
主語＋修飾語＋名詞＋述語の語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Handsome is a polite and slightly formal way to praise a man's appearance and charm.
- Used primarily to describe a handsome man.
- Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese sentences.
- Implies both physical appearance and overall charm.
Focus on the 'na' adjective usage
Remember that handsome is a na-adjective. Always use 'na' before a noun, such as 'handsome na hito'.
Avoid using for women
This word is exclusively for men. Using it for women is considered incorrect and potentially rude.
The shift in popularity
While 'handsome' was very popular in the Showa era, younger generations now prefer the term 'ikemen' for casual use.
Examples
4 of 4彼はとてもハンサムな人ですね。
He is a very handsome man.
映画の主人公はハンサムでした。
The movie protagonist was handsome.
昔の俳優はみんなハンサムだった。
Old actors were all handsome.
彼は容姿端麗で、まさにハンサムと言える。
He is physically beautiful and can be called handsome.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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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
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〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
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ぐらい
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ごろ
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うえ
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絶対
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絶対に
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