Kana Kanji

Learn Kanji

A Beautiful Guide to Advanced Japanese

Lesson 2: 美 (Beauty)

Radicals in 美

The kanji 美 (bi, meaning "beauty") combines two key components that reflect its meaning. It is traditionally classified under the 羊 (sheep) radical, which hints at its historical origins.

  • 羊 (Sheep Radical): The top part, Radical 123, represents a sheep. In ancient times, sheep were prized for their wool and form, symbolizing beauty.
  • 大 (Big Radical): The bottom part, Radical 37, means "big" or "great," suggesting something grand or striking in its beauty.

Together, 美 can be seen as "great sheep"—a poetic nod to the elegance of a sheep’s form, though today it broadly means beauty in all its forms, from physical to artistic. Fun fact: Its simple yet bold structure makes it a favorite in names and art.

Examples of 美 in Use

Here are some common words and phrases using 美

美しい (utsukushii)

Meaning: Beautiful

Hiragana: うつくしい

Example: 花が美しいね。
(Hana ga utsukushii ne.)
"The flowers are beautiful, aren’t they?"

美術 (bijutsu)

Meaning: Fine arts

Hiragana: びじゅつ

Example: 美術館に行く。
(Bijutsukan ni iku.)
"I’m going to an art museum."

美人 (bijin)

Meaning: Beautiful woman

Hiragana: びじん

Example: 彼女は美人だ。
(Kanojo wa bijin da.)
"She is a beautiful woman."

美容 (biyō)

Meaning: Beauty / Cosmetics

Hiragana: びよう

Example: 美容院に行く。
(Biyōin ni iku.)
"I’m going to the beauty salon."

美味 (bimi)

Meaning: Delicious

Hiragana: びみ

Example: この料理は美味だ。
(Kono ryōri wa bimi da.)
"This dish is delicious."

美学 (bigaku)

Meaning: Aesthetics

Hiragana: びがく

Example: 美学を学ぶ。
(Bigaku o manabu.)
"I study aesthetics."

美化 (bika)

Meaning: Beautification

Hiragana: びか

Example: 町を美化する。
(Machi o bika suru.)
"To beautify the town."

美観 (bikan)

Meaning: Scenic beauty

Hiragana: びかん

Example: 美観地区を歩く。
(Bikan chiku o aruku.)
"I walk through the scenic district."

美声 (bisei)

Meaning: Beautiful voice

Hiragana: びせい

Example: 彼は美声だ。
(Kare wa bisei da.)
"He has a beautiful voice."

美点 (biten)

Meaning: Good point / Virtue

Hiragana: びてん

Example: 彼の美点は優しさだ。
(Kare no biten wa yasashisa da.)
"His good point is kindness."

The kanji 美 evokes beauty in diverse contexts—visual, auditory, and even moral—making it a versatile and elegant character.