Japanese word

映える

Pronunciation

Romajihaeru

Meaning

  • verblook attractive

Example

赤い花が緑の葉に映えます。aka i hana ga midori no ha ni ha e ma su

The red flowers look attractive against the green leaves.

Illustration for 映える (look attractive)

More examples

この照明なら料理が映えます。ko no shō mei na ra ryō ri ga ha e ma su

Under this lighting, the food looks attractive.

Core concept

Describes something becoming visually striking because its colors, shape, or qualities stand out against what surrounds it.

Common phrases

  • 夕日に映えるyū hi ni ha e ru

    look attractive in the evening sun

  • 青空に映えるao zora ni ha e ru

    look attractive against a blue sky

Similar words

引き立つhikitatsu: To look more attractive because the surrounding setting makes a color, shape, or quality stand out.
際立つkiwadatsu: To stand out clearly from surrounding things because of a noticeable color, shape, or quality.
目立つmedatsu: To be easy to notice because of a strong color, large size, unusual shape, or other clear feature.

Definition in Japanese

周囲との対比によって、色や姿などが美しく目立って見える。shū i to no tai hi ni yo tte iro ya sugata na do ga utsuku shi ku me da tte mi e ru

Word origin

映える (haeru) is a native Japanese verb that developed from the older form 映ゆ (hayu, "to shine or look beautiful"), retaining the sense of appearing vivid or attractive.

Usage tips

  • The modern noun インスタ映え (insutabae, "Instagram appeal") uses the stem of 映える (haeru) for a scene that looks especially good in a photo.

Other meanings

  • shineverb
  • stand outverb

Opposites

  • くすむkusumulook dullverb

Related words

  • 映えhaevisual appealnoun

Word lists with this word