格好(かっこう)

かっこう
noun, na-adjective
appearance, shape
1. appearance, form, shape
The outward look or style of something or someone.
その格好(かっこう)で出(で)かけるの？
Are you going out dressed like that?
変(へん)な格好(かっこう)をしている。
He's wearing strange clothes.
格好(かっこう)いいですね。
That's cool!
かっこいい form
2. suitable, appropriate
Being proper or fitting for a situation.
格好(かっこう)の場所(ばしょ)を見(み)つけた。
I found the perfect spot.
ここは散歩(さんぽ)するのに格好(かっこう)のコースだ。
This is an ideal course for taking walks.
雨(あめ)がやんで、出(で)かけるには格好(かっこう)の天気(てんき)になった。
The rain stopped and it became perfect weather for going out.

格好(かっこう) has two main uses: describing outward appearance/attire (noun) and meaning suitable or ideal (na-adjective).

SENSE 1 — APPEARANCE:

Refers to how someone looks, especially their clothing or posture.

  • 格好(かっこう)いい/かっこいい: cool, stylish
  • 格好(かっこう)悪(わる)い/かっこ悪(わる)い: uncool, lame, embarrassing
  • 格好(かっこう)をつける: to try to look cool, to put on airs
  • 変(へん)な格好(かっこう): strange outfit/appearance

SENSE 2 — SUITABLE:

Used as a na-adjective meaning ideal or appropriate for a purpose.

  • 格好(かっこう)の場所(ばしょ): ideal spot
  • 格好(かっこう)の機会(きかい): perfect opportunity
  • 格好(かっこう)の的(まと): easy target

WRITING:
Also written as 恰好(かっこう) (older kanji) or in hiragana. Often shortened to かっこ in casual speech: かっこいい, かっこ悪(わる)い.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 姿(すがた): figure, form (more literary)
  • 服装(ふくそう): attire, dress (specifically clothing)
  • 見(み)た目(め): outward appearance, looks

Related Words

Synonym: 姿(すがた) (figure, form (literary))
Synonym: 服装(ふくそう) (attire, dress)
general
Added 2026.1.9 21:09 · Revised 2026.4.5 16:10
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