格好(かっこう)

かっこう
noun, no-adjective
appearance, shape
descriptive
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)いいですね。
That's cool!
かっこいい form
2. suitable, appropriate
Ideal or just right for a purpose; used before a noun with の (格好の場所).
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 or attire, and, before a noun with の, meaning ideal for a purpose.

SENSE 1 — APPEARANCE:
Refers to how someone looks, especially their clothing or posture.

  • 格好(かっこ)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
  • 格好(かっこう)がつかない: to look bad, to lose face

SENSE 2 — SUITABLE:
Usually 格好(かっこう)の + noun.

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

Related Words

Synonym: 姿(すがた) (figure, form (literary))
Synonym: 服装(ふくそう) (attire, dress)
Compare: 見(み)た目(め) (outward appearance, looks)
general
Added 2026.1.9 21:09 · Revised 2026.10.15 10:05
01500/01800_kakkou