1.
beautiful woman, beauty
A woman considered to be physically attractive. Traditionally used specifically for women.
彼女は美人です。
She is a beautiful woman.
美人な人がたくさんいる。
There are many beautiful people.
美人は三日で飽きる。
Beauty fades after three days. (Proverb: looks aren't everything)
Traditional saying
彼女のお母さんも美人だそうです。
I hear her mother is also beautiful.
秋田は美人が多いと言われている。
Akita is said to have many beautiful women.
美人 refers specifically to a beautiful woman.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 美人な + noun (beautiful ~)
- 絶世の美人 (a peerless beauty)
- 秋田美人 (Akita beauty - famous for beautiful women)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 美人: beautiful woman (physical beauty)
- 美女: beautiful woman (more literary)
- きれいな人: pretty/beautiful person
- イケメン: handsome man (modern slang)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Certain regions in Japan are traditionally known for 美人, such as Akita and Kyoto.