Japanese word

エレガント

Pronunciation

Romajiereganto

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveelegant

Example

彼女の服装はエレガントです。kano jo no fuku sō wa e re ga n to de su

Her outfit is elegant.

Illustration for エレガント (elegant)

More examples

この店はエレガントな家具をそろえています。ko no mise wa e re ga n to na ka gu o so ro e te i ma su

This store carries elegant furniture.

Core concept

Refers to a tasteful quality in which appearance, behavior, or design feels graceful, balanced, and sophisticated.

Common phrases

  • エレガントな服装e re ga n to na fuku sō

    elegant attire

  • エレガントなデザインe re ga n to na de za i n

    elegant design

Similar words

上品jōhin: Having a refined appearance or manner that avoids excess.
優雅yūga: Having graceful beauty and calm, polished movement or manner.
おしゃれoshare: Having a stylish appearance chosen with attention to fashion.
華麗karei: Having splendid beauty or appearance that attracts attention.

Definition in Japanese

外見や振る舞いなどに無駄がなく、気品と洗練が感じられるさま。gai ken ya fu ru ma i na do ni mu da ga na ku ki hin to sen ren ga kan ji ra re ru sa ma

Word origin

The word エレガント (ereganto, "elegant") entered Japanese as a borrowing of English elegant, ultimately related to Latin elegantem through French élégant.

Usage tips

  • The English phrase elegant solution gives the word a useful wider sense, because elegant refers not only to attractive appearance but also to simple and effective design.

Other meanings

  • stylishna-adjective
  • refinedna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • エレガントさeregantosaelegancenoun

Word lists with this word