格好いい

• Reading: かっこういい
• Romaji: kakkoii
• Kanji breakdown: 格好 (kakkou) — appearance, form, manner; いい — good
• Pronunciation: /kak.ko.i.i/

Meaning

Cool; attractive; stylish; impressive. Describes someone or something that looks or acts in a way that commands admiration — in appearance, behaviour, or ideas.

An i-adjective combining 格好 (appearance, form) and いい (good). One of the most common casual compliments in modern Japanese, applicable to people, objects, actions, or ideas. Written as 格好いい in standard form and often shortened to かっこいい in casual speech. The opposite is 格好悪い (uncool, embarrassing). Covers a wider range of 'impressiveness' than just physical looks.

Examples

1. あの俳優は演技だけでなく、私服も格好いい。 That actor is not only great at his craft — his casual style is cool too.
2. 困っている人を助ける姿が格好いいと思う。 I think there's something really cool about someone who helps people in need.
3. 新しいバイクは本当に格好いいデザインだ。 The new motorbike has a genuinely impressive design.

Usage Guide

Context: appearance, compliment, fashion, everyday conversation

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 格好 (form, appearance, manner) and いい (good). Popularised in postwar Japanese youth culture. The shortened form かっこいい is now more common than the full form in casual speech.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal