Translation guide
Describes a man's attractive appearance, often implying a well-proportioned face and a dignified or refined look. Japanese has several words that overlap with 'handsome', but they differ in nuance, formality, and typical usage.
To describe a man as attractive in appearance, often with a focus on facial features.
Direct loanword from English. Commonly used in casual conversation to describe a man with attractive, often Western-style features. Can sound slightly dated or cheesy if overused.
彼はとてもハンサムだね。
He's really handsome, isn't he?
Slang term for a good-looking guy, especially popular in media and among younger people. Implies a cool, stylish, or charming appearance. Very common in casual contexts.
あの俳優はイケメンだ。
That actor is handsome.
Originally from kabuki, referring to a handsome male role. Now used to describe a conventionally attractive man, often with a refined or gentle image. Slightly old-fashioned but still understood.
彼は二枚目俳優として人気がある。
He is popular as a handsome actor.
Literally 'beautiful man'. A more formal or literary term for a very handsome man, often emphasizing delicate or classical beauty. Can sound dramatic or old-fashioned.
彼はまるで絵に描いたような美男子だ。
He is a handsome man as if drawn in a picture.
To emphasize a man's dignified, stylish, or sophisticated handsomeness, often beyond just facial features.
Describes a man who is not only good-looking but also has a strong, masculine, or cool presence. Often used for someone with a well-defined face and a confident demeanor.
彼は本当に男前だ。
He's really handsome (in a manly way).
From 'dandy'. Refers to a man who is stylish, well-groomed, and sophisticated, often middle-aged or older. Focuses on elegance and fashion sense.
彼はダンディな紳士だ。
He is a handsome, dandy gentleman.
An adjective meaning dignified, gallant, and handsome. Often used for a man with a sharp, noble bearing. Common in descriptions of samurai or formal attire.
Using 'handsome' in a broader sense, such as for a woman with strong, striking features, or for objects like a handsome sum of money.
Occasionally, ハンサム is used for women with sharp, striking features, but it can be risky. Better to use 美人 (beautiful woman) or かっこいい (cool) unless the context is clear.
Using ハンサム for women may imply they look masculine; use with care.
彼女はハンサムな顔立ちだ。
She has handsome features.
For 'a handsome sum of money', use かなりの額 (a considerable amount) or 大金 (large sum). There is no direct adjective equivalent.
彼はその絵にかなりの額を支払った。
He paid a handsome sum for the painting.
ハンサム is a direct loanword and feels slightly formal or old-fashioned. イケメン is modern slang and very common among younger people. 男前 emphasizes a cool, manly handsomeness rather than just pretty features. Choose based on context and age group.
彼はハンサムというより男前だ。
He's more ruggedly handsome than classically handsome.
Calling a woman ハンサム can be taken as saying she looks like a man. Use 美人 (beautiful), 綺麗 (pretty), or かっこいい (cool/stylish) instead, unless you specifically mean androgynous beauty.
I was attracted to his handsome, dignified features.