To capture the heart of a Japanese woman, foreign men should use the compliment “beautiful” rather than “cute.”
In this article, we’ll explain why.
What compliments do Japanese women understand?
Generally, many people in Japan have limited English proficiency. However, there are some widely known English words that even Japanese people can understand. Let’s take a look at what compliments work and what doesn’t when praising women in Japan. Native English speakers may perceive the meaning of words differently.
Beautiful
This word is universally understood by Japanese people. They tend to associate it with a slightly exaggerated expression, used for breathtaking beauty like flowers or landscapes. While they understand it can also be used for the opposite sex, the shy and indirect nature of many Japanese people makes them feel embarrassed to use it in that context.
Cute
This is very popular. For Japanese people, cute equals kawaii, and it is typically used for small, adorable things like infants, puppies, or kittens.
Gorgeous
Japanese people may understand the literal meaning of the words, but they may not perceive them as a compliment or feel flattered by them.
Stunning
Again, only those with advanced English proficiency will understand this word. If you use it, there’s a high chance you’ll be asked, “What does that mean?”
Elegant
This word works as a compliment. Many people understand it to mean refined, wearing luxurious clothes or accessories, and being glamorous.
Charming
This word also works. Japanese people often equate cute with charming and kawaii.
Graceful
Most people might vaguely understand it because of the famous song “Amazing Grace,” but they are unsure how it works as a compliment.
Radiant
Only those with advanced English proficiency will understand this word. If you use it, there’s a high chance you’ll be asked, “What does that mean?”
Attractive
Many people may associate this word with “attraction” and vaguely understand it. Still, most people don’t really grasp it as a compliment.
Alluring
Only those with advanced English proficiency will understand this word. If you use it, there’s a high chance you’ll be asked, “What does that mean?”
Lovely
This word is understood to be similar in meaning to “cute” and will be accepted as a compliment, but many people won’t feel strongly about it.
Classy
Only those with advanced English proficiency will understand this word. If you use it, there’s a high chance you’ll be asked, “What does that mean?”
Why is “beautiful” the best way to capture the heart of a Japanese woman?
When it comes to widely understood compliments on appearance for Japanese women, you have two choices: “beautiful” and “cute.”
However, “cute” is a common word used by Japanese men when complimenting women, and it can come across as a lighter expression.
Many Japanese people are shy and indirect, so when a Japanese man compliments a woman as “cute,” she will be happy.
However, Japanese people have preconceptions about foreign men, such as being straightforward and having a basic etiquette of complimenting women. Therefore, it is expected that a Japanese woman would not take a compliment like “cute” from a foreign man too seriously.
This is where the magical word “beautiful” comes in for Japanese women.
Japanese men rarely use the expression “beautiful” when complimenting women, as many feel embarrassed and think it’s an exaggeration.
For a Japanese woman, being called “beautiful” by a man is an extraordinary, special experience, as if she has become a princess in her heart.
Japanese women who have dated or liked foreign men often cite their straightforward communication as one reason for their attraction.
Compared to Japanese men, who are often shy and indirect in their approach, a foreign man’s words, such as “beautiful,” resonate more clearly and understandably with Japanese women’s hearts.
So, if you want to capture the heart of a Japanese woman, be sure to use the word “beautiful” when complimenting her.
In Japanese, the direct translation is “utsukushii.”
If a foreign man who hasn’t fully learned Japanese tries to say, “You’re really beautiful. Utsukushii desune,” and adds some Japanese, it will likely increase his favorability.
