華奢

きゃしゃ

delicate, slender

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Nuance

華奢 (きゃしゃ) describes something or someone that is delicate, slender, or fragile in appearance. It often implies elegance or fragility, such as a slim body shape or fine, delicate objects.

Usage Context

This word is commonly used to describe physical features like a person's build or the design of objects like jewelry or furniture. It can carry a positive nuance of elegance but also a sense of vulnerability or fragility.

Common Collocations

  • 華奢な体つき (きゃしゃな からだつき): a slender, delicate body
  • 華奢なアクセサリー (きゃしゃな アクセサリー): delicate accessories
  • 華奢な骨組み (きゃしゃな ほねぐみ): a delicate frame or structure

Register and Politeness

華奢 is a neutral word suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in descriptive writing, fashion, and everyday conversation.

Learner Tips

Be careful not to confuse 華奢 with words that mean simply "thin" or "weak." 華奢 emphasizes a refined delicacy rather than just being skinny or fragile. For example, a person can be thin but not necessarily 華奢 if they do not have that elegant slenderness.

Example Sentences

かのじょは きゃしゃな からだつきを している。

She has a delicate, slender body.

きゃしゃな アクセサリーが すきです。

I like delicate accessories.

あの きゃしゃな ほねぐみの いすは いがいと じょうぶだ。

That chair with a delicate frame is surprisingly sturdy.