天衣無縫

• Reading: てんいむほう
• Romaji: tenimuhou
• Kanji breakdown: 天 (ten/ama) — heaven, sky; 衣 (i/koromo) — garment, robe; 無 (mu/na) — without, none; 縫 (hou/nu) — sew, stitch
• Pronunciation: /teŋ.i.mɯ.hoː/

Meaning

Flawless; natural; artless; seamless. Describes something so perfectly natural that no trace of effort or artifice remains visible.

A yojijukugo (four-character idiom) literally meaning 'the robe of a celestial being has no seams'. Because angels' robes are not sewn by human hands, they are seamless and perfect. Used to praise writing, performance, or personality that achieves a rare, effortless perfection. Can also describe an innocently carefree, unsophisticated disposition.

Examples

1. 彼女の演奏は天衣無縫で、聴く者を魅了した。 Her performance was flawlessly natural, captivating all who listened.
2. 天衣無縫な笑顔が彼の人柄を物語っていた。 His effortlessly artless smile spoke volumes about his character.
3. そのダンスは天衣無縫の完成度を誇っていた。 That dance boasted a seamless, flawless perfection.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, arts criticism, character praise

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

Chinese origin. 天衣 refers to the garment of a heavenly being; 無縫 means 'without seams'. Legend holds that a man dreamed of a fairy whose robe had no stitching — it was naturally perfect.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Intellectual