ハンサム

• Reading: ハンサム
• Romaji: hansamu
• Pronunciation: /ha.n.sa.mɯ/

Meaning

Handsome; good-looking. Used to describe an attractive man with refined features.

A na-adjective borrowed from English 'handsome.' Primarily describes male physical attractiveness with a classic, refined quality: ハンサムな人 (a handsome person). While still widely understood, younger generations increasingly prefer イケメン (ikemen) for 'good-looking guy.' ハンサム carries a slightly more old-fashioned, polished nuance.

Examples

1. 彼はハンサムで頭もいいから人気がある。 He's handsome and smart, so he's really popular.
2. お父さんは若い頃とてもハンサムだったらしい。 Apparently his dad was very handsome when he was young.
3. ハンサムな俳優が出ている映画を観に行った。 I went to see a movie starring a handsome actor.

Usage Guide

Context: compliments, description, conversation

Tone: appreciative

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'handsome' during the Meiji era (late 19th century). Adapted to Japanese phonology as ハンサム and has been used as a na-adjective ever since.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji (1868–1912)

Generation: Older adults

Social background: Universal