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容姿端麗
ようしたんれい
handsome and refined appearance
彼女は容姿端麗で、誰からも注目を浴びていた。
She had a handsome and refined appearance, drawing attention from everyone.
formal
A person who is handsome and refined in both appearance and demeanor, often admired for their elegance and beauty.
彼は容姿端麗なだけでなく、振る舞いも上品だった。
He was not only handsome and refined but also had elegant manners.
Used to describe individuals, typically in formal or literary contexts. Often implies a sense of dignity and grace beyond mere physical attractiveness.
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
This term is highly formal and literary. For casual compliments, use simpler phrases like 「かっこいい」 (kakkoii, 'cool') or 「美しい」 (utsukushii, 'beautiful').
Gold Rule
Cultural Context
The term reflects traditional Japanese aesthetic ideals of beauty, which emphasize harmony, refinement, and dignity. It is often associated with aristocratic or noble qualities, even when used to describe modern individuals.
Word Origin
The word combines three kanji: 容姿 (ようし, yōshi, 'appearance'), 端 (たん, tan, 'refined/neat'), and 麗 (れい, rei, 'beautiful/elegant'). It has been used in classical Japanese literature to describe individuals of exceptional beauty and grace, often with a connotation of aristocratic refinement.
Usage Notes
Primarily used to describe physical appearance and demeanor in a formal or literary context. Avoid using it casually or for everyday compliments, as it carries a sense of high praise and sophistication. Often used in written language or formal speeches.
Word Breakdown
容
appearance/form
root姿
figure/figure
root端
refined/neat
root麗
beautiful/elegant
root和英辞典