Proverb / Kotowaza
風光明媚
A description of landscape scenery that is exceptionally clear, bright, and beautiful.
scenic beauty and bright charm
Quick Answer
A description of landscape scenery that is exceptionally clear, bright, and beautiful.
- Literal Image
- scenic beauty and bright charm
- How to Use It
- Used to praise or describe scenic spots, tourist destinations, or beautiful views of nature. It appears in formal contexts or travel writing.
Meaning
This expression describes natural landscapes, such as mountains, rivers, and seas, that are pure and aesthetically pleasing. It combines 'fuukou' (natural scenery) and 'meibi' (bright and beautiful) to praise the scenic beauty of a specific location or region.
Literal Image
scenic beauty and bright charm
How to Use It
Used to praise or describe scenic spots, tourist destinations, or beautiful views of nature. It appears in formal contexts or travel writing.
Tone
Formal and descriptive.
Examples
風光明媚な土地に別荘を建てる。
To build a vacation home in a place of scenic beauty.
この村は風光明媚な観光地として知られている。
This village is known as a scenic tourist destination.
窓の外には風光明媚な景色が広がっている。
A beautiful landscape spreads out outside the window.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a four-character compound (yojijukugo) using formal kanji that are less in daily conversation but standard in descriptive literature.
風光
ふうこう / fuukou
scenery; natural beauty
明媚
めいび / meibi
bright and beautiful
山水
さんすい / sansui
hills and water; landscape
Usage Profile
Usage note: This term specifically describes natural scenery (mountains, water, etc.) and is not used to describe the beauty of people or man-made objects like cars.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe a person's appearance; it is strictly for natural landscapes.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression originated in Chinese Han poetry and literary works where it was used to praise the beauty of nature. It was later introduced to Japan and became established as a standard four-character idiomatic compound used to describe scenic spots.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.