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容姿
yōshi
appearance
彼女は容姿が美しい。
She has a beautiful appearance.
formal
The physical appearance or looks of a person, including facial features, body shape, and overall presentation.
彼の容姿はモデルのようだ。
His appearance is like a model's.
容姿を整えるために、毎日鏡を見ている。
I look in the mirror every day to maintain my appearance.
Often used in contexts discussing beauty, fashion, or personal presentation. Can imply both natural looks and intentional styling.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 容姿 from 外見
While both mean 'appearance,' 容姿 often implies a more intentional or aesthetically pleasing presentation. 外見 is more neutral and can refer to any outward appearance, even if unintentional. For example, 容姿 is used for models or in beauty contexts, while 外見 might describe how someone looks after working in the garden.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
Use 容姿 in formal or positive contexts (e.g., describing a model or someone's grooming habits). Avoid using it in casual or critical contexts about others' looks, as it may sound judgmental.
Word Origin
From the kanji 容 (appearance, form) and 姿 (figure, shape). The compound dates back to classical Japanese, where it originally referred to both physical form and demeanor.
Usage Notes
While similar to 外見 (gaiken, 'external appearance'), 容姿 often carries a slightly more formal or elegant nuance, sometimes implying a cultivated or intentional presentation. It's commonly used in contexts like job interviews, modeling, or discussions about beauty standards.
Word Breakdown
容
appearance, form, or demeanor
root姿
figure, shape, or posture
root和英辞典