Translation guide
The English word "pretty" has several distinct uses. It can describe attractive appearance, act as an adverb meaning "fairly" or "quite", and appear in fixed phrases. This guide breaks down these meanings and gives natural Japanese equivalents.
It's pretty good.
Describing someone or something as visually pleasing, cute, or beautiful.
The most common word for 'cute' or 'pretty', used for people, animals, clothes, etc. Often implies smallness and charm.
Means 'pretty', 'clean', or 'beautiful'. Used for people, scenery, and objects. More elegant than かわいい.
A more formal or literary word for 'beautiful'. Can sound too strong for casual 'pretty'.
Loanword from English, used in fashion or product names. Not common in everyday speech.
Expressing a moderate degree; 'to a fairly high degree'.
Means 'quite' or 'pretty' as an adverb. Used before adjectives and verbs.
Meaning 'almost' or 'nearly'.
A pleading way to ask for something, often used by children.
Being in a favorable or advantageous position.
かわいい is 'cute/pretty' with a sense of smallness and affection. きれい is 'pretty/clean/beautiful' and more elegant. 美しい is formal/literary 'beautiful' and can be too strong for casual 'pretty'.
The puppy is pretty/cute.
She has a pretty smile.
きれいな花ですね。
Those are pretty flowers.
She's become pretty.
What a pretty view.
プリティーなデザインのバッグ。
A bag with a pretty design.
It's pretty hot today.
He speaks Japanese pretty well.
Also means 'quite' or 'pretty'. Slightly more casual than かなり. Often used in speech.
This movie was pretty interesting.
It's pretty far, isn't it.
Means 'so-so' or 'fairly'. Weaker than かなり/結構. Often used for moderate approval.
The taste was pretty good (okay).
Standard word for 'almost' or 'pretty much'. Used with verbs and nouns.
I'm pretty much done with work.
It's pretty much the same.
Means 'roughly' or 'pretty much'. More casual.
I pretty much understand.
The standard way to say 'please'. Adding emphasis or repetition can mimic 'pretty please'.
Pretty please!
Pretty please, tell me.
Polite version. Can be used with a pleading tone.
Pretty please, move out of the way.
He got promoted and is now sitting pretty.
Means 'secure' or 'safe'. Can be used for financial or positional security.
His investments paid off, so he's sitting pretty.
彼女の着物はきれいだ。
Her kimono is pretty/beautiful.
It was a beautiful sunset.
While かわいい is very common, using it for adult men or formal situations can be inappropriate. Use きれい or other terms depending on context.