雅(みやび)

みやび
noun
elegance; refinement; courtly grace; miyabi
formalculturehistory
1. elegance; refinement; courtly grace
A refined, sophisticated aesthetic sensibility associated with the aristocratic culture of the Heian period; the quality of being tasteful and cultured.
平安(へいあん)時代(じだい)の雅(みやび)を感(かん)じる。
I feel the elegance of the Heian period.
雅(みやび)な歌(うた)の世界(せかい)に浸(ひた)った。
I immersed myself in the refined world of poetry.
京都(きょうと)の庭園(ていえん)には雅(みやび)と侘(わ)びが共存(きょうぞん)している。
In Kyoto gardens, courtly elegance and rustic simplicity coexist.

雅(みやび) is a classical aesthetic concept central to Japanese culture.

Etymology

雅(みやび) was the aesthetic ideal of the Heian aristocracy (794-1185). It emphasized:

  • Refined sensibility and taste
  • Cultural accomplishment (poetry, music, calligraphy)
  • Sophisticated emotional awareness
  • Elegance in manners and appearance

From 宮(みや) (palace, court) + び (suffix for manner/style), suggesting "in the manner of the court."

Common collocations

Related aesthetic concepts

Related Words

Related: 侘(わ)び (rustic simplicity)
Related: 粋(いき) (urban chic)
general
Added 2026.1.31 11:24 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09000/09071_miyabi