美しい

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 山の上から美しい景色が見えました。▶ —
   A beautiful view was visible from the top of the mountain.
2. 彼女は美しい声で歌います。▶ —
   She sings with a beautiful voice.

Collocations

Mnemonic

美しい utsukushii — kanji 美 (beauty) + the i-adjective ending しい. 美 is the same kanji as in 美術 (fine art) and 美人 (a beauty). It is more formal and literary than きれい — used for deep beauty: scenery, art, sound. The noun form is 美しさ.

Quick check

1. How does 美しい feel compared with きれい?

   • more formal, literary and aesthetic
   • more casual and light
   • completely identical
   • a negative meaning