格好

• Reading: かっこう
• Romaji: kakkou
• Kanji breakdown: 格 (kaku/kō) — status, standard, form; 好 (kō/su) — good, like
• Pronunciation: /kak.koː/

Meaning

Appearance; shape; form; posture. How something or someone looks.

A versatile word describing outward appearance, outfit, or manner. Often used for describing what someone is wearing (格好いい服, kakkou ii fuku) or physical posture. The casual form かっこいい (cool/stylish) and かっこ悪い (uncool/embarrassing) are extremely common in everyday speech among younger people.

Examples

1. そんな格好で出かけるの？ You're going out dressed like that?
2. 彼はいつもおしゃれな格好をしている。 He always wears stylish outfits.
3. 変な格好で寝ていたので首が痛い。 I slept in a weird position and now my neck hurts.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, appearance, daily life, descriptions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 格 (kaku, status/standard) and 好 (kou, good/like). Originally referred to something of proper form or suitable appearance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal