Japanese word

優美

Pronunciation

Romajiyūbi

Meaning

  • na-adjectivegraceful

Example

その踊りは優美です。so no odo ri wa yū bi de su

That dance is graceful.

Illustration for 優美 (graceful)

More examples

この建物は優美な曲線を取り入れています。ko no tate mono wa yū bi na kyoku sen o to ri i re te i ma su

This building incorporates graceful curves.

Core concept

Describes beauty expressed through smooth, balanced, and pleasing movement or form.

Common phrases

  • 優美な文体yū bi na bun tai

    refined style

  • 優美な音色yū bi na ne iro

    elegant tone

  • 優美な姿勢yū bi na shi sei

    graceful posture

Similar words

優雅yūga: Showing refined elegance in manner, movement, or appearance.
典雅tenga: Showing a dignified elegance associated with refined artistic style.
しとやかshitoyaka: Showing quiet grace and gentle refinement in conduct or movement.
上品jōhin: Showing good taste through a restrained and refined appearance or manner.

Definition in Japanese

動きや姿などがしなやかで、上品な美しさを備えているさま。ugo ki ya sugata na do ga shi na ya ka de jō hin na utsuku shi sa o sona e te i ru sa ma

Word origin

優美 (yūbi) is a Sino-Japanese word combining 優 (yū, "gentle" or "excellent") and 美 (bi, "beautiful"), giving the sense of beauty with gentleness and poise.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 優美 (yūbi) often describes a dance, gesture, or design, highlighting a polished quality rather than simple physical beauty.

Other meanings

  • elegantna-adjective
  • refinedna-adjective

Opposites

  • 醜悪shūakuuglyna-adjective
  • 粗野soyacoarsena-adjective

Related words

  • 優美さyūbisagracefulnessnoun

Word lists with this word