Translation guide
Describes someone or something that is visually attractive or pleasing in appearance. In Japanese, the most common and versatile word is かっこいい, but there are many nuances depending on gender, formality, and context.
To describe a person (often male, but can be unisex) as handsome, cool, or stylish in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'good-looking', 'cool', or 'handsome'. Used for people, clothes, cars, etc. Can be used for both men and women, but often implies a stylish or cool attractiveness.
彼は本当にかっこいいね。
He's really good-looking, isn't he?
そのジャケット、かっこいい！
That jacket looks cool!
Slang term specifically for a good-looking man. Very common in casual conversation and media. Not used for women.
あの俳優はイケメンだよね。
That actor is a hottie, isn't he?
Loanword from English 'handsome'. Used almost exclusively for men. Slightly more formal or old-fashioned than かっこいい.
彼はハンサムな顔立ちをしている。
He has handsome features.
Literally 'beautiful man'. A more literary or formal term for a handsome man. Not commonly used in everyday speech.
彼は美男として有名だ。
He is famous as a handsome man.
To describe a woman as beautiful, pretty, or attractive.
The standard word for a beautiful woman. Can be used as a noun or adjective (美人な).
彼女は美人だね。
She's a beauty, isn't she?
美人な女性がたくさんいる。
There are many beautiful women.
Means 'pretty', 'clean', or 'beautiful'. Used for both people and things. For women, it's a very common and natural compliment.
今日はきれいだね。
You look pretty today.
Means 'cute' or 'adorable'. Often used for women and girls, but can also describe a 'pretty' appearance in a youthful or endearing way. Not exactly 'good-looking' in a mature sense, but very common.
Literally 'beautiful woman'. Similar to 美人 but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in titles or descriptions.
彼女は絶世の美女だ。
She is a woman of unparalleled beauty.
To describe an object, design, or non-human thing as visually appealing or stylish.
As above, works for cars, gadgets, clothes, etc. Implies a cool, sleek, or stylish look.
この車、かっこいいね。
This car looks cool.
Means 'stylish', 'fashionable', or 'tasteful'. Often used for clothing, interiors, or personal style. Not directly 'good-looking' but conveys attractive appearance through style.
Means 'looks good' or 'has a good appearance'. More objective and can be used for presentations, food presentation, etc.
この料理は見栄えがいい。
This dish looks good (visually appealing).
To describe someone who is well-groomed, neat, and attractive in a clean-cut way.
Means 'well-proportioned', 'regular features', or 'handsome/beautiful in a neat and refined way'. Often used for facial features.
彼は端正な顔立ちだ。
He has finely chiseled features.
Means 'fresh', 'refreshing', or 'clean-looking'. Often used to describe a man who is neat, clean, and attractive in a wholesome way.
彼はさわやかな好青年だ。
He is a clean-cut, nice young man.
かっこいい is unisex but often implies a cool or stylish attractiveness, commonly used for men. 美人 is specifically a beautiful woman. きれい is 'pretty' or 'beautiful' and can be used for women, objects, or scenery. For men, ハンサム is also possible but less common than かっこいい.
彼はかっこいい。彼女は美人だ。
He is cool/handsome. She is a beauty.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'good-looking' in all contexts. Using グッドルッキング is not natural. Choose based on gender and nuance.
彼はグッドルッキングだ。
He is good-looking. (unnatural)
That girl is cute, isn't she?
That cafe has a stylish interior.