立派

• Reading: りっぱ
• Romaji: rippa
• Kanji breakdown: 立 (ritsu/ta) — stand; 派 (ha) — school, style, faction
• Pronunciation: /ɾip.pa/

Meaning

Splendid; fine; impressive; admirable. Describes something or someone worthy of respect and praise.

A na-adjective that takes な before nouns (立派な建物 = magnificent building). Used to praise physical appearance (立派な家), achievements (立派な成績), and character (立派な人). Can sometimes carry a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone. Parents often say 立派になったね (you have grown up admirably).

Examples

1. あの大学の図書館はとても立派な建物です。 That university's library is a very impressive building.
2. 息子が立派に成長して、とてもうれしいです。 I'm so happy that my son has grown up admirably.
3. 立派な成績で大学に合格しました。 He got into college with outstanding grades.

Usage Guide

Context: compliments, descriptions, achievements

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Originally from Chinese. 立 means to stand and 派 means school or style. The combination evolved to mean something that stands out impressively — worthy of admiration.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal