Translation guide
Describing a man as handsome in Japanese, with options ranging from standard compliments to casual slang.
To describe a man as handsome in a neutral or positive way, suitable for most situations.
The most direct loanword from English, widely understood and used for 'handsome' in Japanese. Often used for men with sharp, well-defined features.
He is very handsome, isn't he?
A very common casual term for a good-looking guy. Originally slang, now widely used in everyday conversation and media. Implies a cool, stylish, or attractive man.
Literally 'cool man', but often used to mean handsome. 'かっこいい' is a versatile adjective for attractive, cool, or stylish. More about overall vibe than just facial features.
He's a really handsome/cool guy.
A somewhat formal or literary term for a beautiful man. Emphasizes refined, almost feminine beauty. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
A traditional term from kabuki theater, referring to a handsome male lead role. Now used occasionally to describe a good-looking man, often with a classic or refined image.
To emphasize a man's chiseled, well-defined, or sharp facial features, often associated with a 'masculine' handsomeness.
Literally 'a man with well-arranged features'. A natural way to say someone has handsome, symmetrical, or well-proportioned facial features.
He is a man with handsome features, like a model.
Means 'a man with deep-set features', referring to sharp, well-defined facial contours like a strong nose bridge or deep eyes. Often used for men with Western-looking or striking features.
To describe a man whose handsomeness comes from his fashion sense, grooming, and overall cool style.
Means 'a stylish/fashionable man'. While not directly 'handsome', it often implies an attractive appearance due to good taste in clothing and grooming.
He is always a stylish guy.
ハンサム is a direct loanword and feels slightly more formal or neutral. イケメン is casual, trendy, and widely used in everyday speech. イケメン can also imply a cool personality, not just looks.
The phrase 'ハンサムな男' is grammatically correct but sounds slightly redundant or unnatural. It's more common to say 'ハンサムな人' (handsome person) or simply 'ハンサム' as a noun, or use 'イケメン'.
あの俳優はイケメンだね。
That actor is a handsome guy, isn't he?
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.
He is popular as a handsome leading man actor.
He is a man with sharp features and is very attractive.