風情
also: ふうじょう
Meanings
Only with reading ふぜい
Refers to a refined aesthetic quality, often of a scene, object, or atmosphere. Common in descriptions of traditional settings.
This town retains its old-fashioned charm.
Describes the outward look or atmosphere of a person or thing, often with a nuance of refined or distinctive quality. Can be used with both readings, but ふぜい is far more common.
He has a way of speaking with a certain air about him.
the likes of ...; lowly people such as ...
Only with reading ふぜい
Humble or derogatory suffix attached to nouns or pronouns to belittle the referent. Often used in self-deprecating expressions or to disparage others.
It's not for the likes of me to say, but...
What can a lowly man like that do?
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に風情があるfor a place to have an elegant, atmospheric charm
This old hot-spring town has a real charm to it.
- 〈形容詞〉風情でwith a ... air or manner
She stood there with a lonely-looking air.
- 〈人〉風情がfor a lowly person like X to (do something, often presumptuously)
Don't voice your opinion — you're just a new hire.
- 〈物〉の風情を楽しむto enjoy the elegant atmosphere of something
I enjoyed the charming atmosphere of the autumn leaves in the garden.