Translation guide
The English word "attractive" can describe physical appeal, appealing qualities of things, or the appeal of ideas and offers. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being described and the nuance.
Describing a person's physical appearance as appealing, beautiful, or handsome.
A versatile adjective meaning 'charming' or 'attractive'. Can be used for people, personalities, or things. Safe and natural in most contexts.
She is very attractive.
Noun meaning 'beautiful woman'. Commonly used, but only for women. Can sound a bit direct.
His wife is attractive.
Loanword meaning 'handsome'. Used almost exclusively for men.
He is a handsome actor.
Casual adjective meaning 'cool' or 'good-looking'. Often used for men, but can be used for women with a stylish/tomboyish nuance. Very common in spoken Japanese.
That person is attractive, isn't he?
Means 'cute'. Can imply attractiveness, but with a cute/pretty nuance rather than sexy or handsome. Used for women, children, and sometimes men (in a 'pretty boy' sense).
She is cute and attractive.
Describing something non-human as having appeal, such as a job offer, a city, or a design.
The same word as above, but used for non-human things. Very common and natural.
This proposal is very attractive.
Verb meaning 'to captivate' or 'to fascinate'. Used when something has a strong, enchanting appeal.
Casual verb meaning 'to tempt' or 'to arouse interest'. Often used for food or curiosity. '食欲をそそる' = 'appetizing'.
Describing someone as sexually appealing.
The English word 'attractive' is often translated as 魅力的 (miryokuteki), but using it too broadly can sound unnatural. For example, 'an attractive price' is not 魅力的な価格 but rather お得な価格 (otoku na kakaku) or 手頃な価格 (tegoro na kakaku). Always consider the specific nuance.
魅力的 (miryokuteki) is a general adjective for 'charming/attractive' and can be used for people, personalities, or things. 美人 (bijin) is a noun meaning 'beautiful woman' and is only for women. ハンサム (hansamu) is a noun/adjective for 'handsome' and is almost exclusively for men.
Kyoto is an attractive city.
The scenery captivates visitors.
この広告は購買意欲をそそる。
This advertisement is attractive (it tempts you to buy).
That actress is attractive/sexy.