Meaning and Usage
"美しい" (うつくしい) is an adjective used to describe something that is visually or aesthetically pleasing, often translated as "beautiful" or "lovely." It is commonly used for people, nature, objects, and even abstract concepts like voices or feelings.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "美しい" when talking about flowers, landscapes, art, or someone's appearance. It can also be used metaphorically, such as describing a beautiful voice or a beautiful moment.
Collocations and Patterns
- 美しい花 (うつくしいはな): beautiful flower — used to describe flowers or plants.
- 美しい景色 (うつくしいけしき): beautiful scenery — common when talking about nature.
- 美しい声 (うつくしいこえ): beautiful voice — used metaphorically for sound.
- 美しい心 (うつくしいこころ): beautiful heart — describing someone's character or feelings.
Register and Politeness
"美しい" is a neutral to polite adjective and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It is more literary or poetic than casual words like "きれい" but is widely understood and appreciated.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "美しい" with "きれい," which also means "pretty" or "clean." "美しい" often implies a deeper, more refined beauty, while "きれい" can be used more casually or for cleanliness. Use "美しい" when you want to emphasize elegance or profound beauty.