Japanese word

女らしい

Pronunciation

Romajionnarashii

Meaning

  • i-adjectivefeminine

Example

彼女はとても女らしいです。kano jo wa to te mo onna ra shi i de su

She is very feminine.

Illustration for 女らしい (feminine)

More examples

その服を着ると、彼女は女らしく見えます。so no fuku o ki ru to kano jo wa onna ra shi ku mi e ma su

Wearing that outfit makes her look feminine.

Core concept

Describes qualities, behavior, or appearance that are culturally associated with women.

Common phrases

  • 女らしい声色onna ra shi i kowa iro

    a feminine tone of voice

  • 女らしい身のこなしonna ra shi i mi no ko na shi

    feminine movements

  • 女らしく振る舞うonna ra shi ku fu ru ma u

    behave in a feminine manner

Similar words

女性らしいjoseirashii: Describes qualities, behavior, or appearance associated with women in a neutral, general way.
女っぽいonnappoi: Describes a manner or appearance that has a distinctly feminine quality.
女々しいmemeshii: Describes behavior seen as weak, timid, or overly delicate, often with criticism.

Definition in Japanese

女性に特有とされる性質や雰囲気を備えているさま。jo sei ni toku yū to sa re ru sei shitsu ya fun i ki o sona e te i ru sa ma

Word origin

女らしい (onnarashii) combines 女 (onna, "woman") with the suffix らしい (rashii, "having the quality of"), expressing qualities associated with women.

Usage tips

  • In English, feminine can describe a person's manner as well as clothing, design, colors, or voices.

Other meanings

  • ladylikei-adjective
  • womanlyi-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 女らしさonnarashisafemininitynoun

Word lists with this word