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Literally means "pretty boy," as in an attractive member of the male gender. Also spelled "bishonen," and sometimes shortened to "bish" and "bishie/bishy." It is a Japanese word, adopted by female anime fans in the rest of the world to denote any male anime, manga, or video game character they happen to find good looking. Strictly speaking, "bishounen" should only refer to boys under age 20, since a "pretty man" would be "biseinen." However, most people prefer to use bishounen for men and boys of all ages, as it is so widely used.

Opinions on which males are bishounen and which are not vary according to personal tastes. The stereotypical bishounen generally has long hair, a slender, graceful figure, and lacks facial hair. Bishounen tend to appear androgynous or feminine. They are also likely to have certain personality traits, like sensitivity, secretiveness, moodiness, refinement, and a dark, tormented past.

This word is a noun, but is sometimes used as an adjective, as in the sentence "That guy is so bishounen." As an adjective, the word means "having or displaying the traits of a bishounen."
"You can tell Vincent is a bishounen because he's thin, he has long hair, and he's really angsty."
bishounen by Stephanie M. July 1, 2003
Related Words
A hot anime/manga guy that catches the eyes of the female readers or watches. But is mistaked to much by parents & non-anime/manga people to be female charaters. Usually the charater is either a sad one or has a hidden past which draws people to them. Also known as a charater they the watches or reader will never forget.
Vincent Final Fantasy VII was found in a weird place yet when seen he has long black hair, smoth face, and unknown past which makes him so bishounen.

Howl Howl's Moving Castle is seen with fairly long hair with a girlish face that dresses in fancy clothes.
bishounen by Redsun July 25, 2008
Bishan is a combined word of smart, handsome and successful.
Wait a minute. You’re handsome, smart and successful. Your name is Bishan, right?
Bishan by Someone4real May 30, 2018
An also femininely beautiful man. Usually appears in manga or anime, but can rarely be seen in real life (see Gackt).
Bishoooouuuunen.... *drool*
bishounen by umeko November 2, 2003
In anime, a young boy who is very cute and can be mistaken for a girl. Literal translation is Beautiful Boy.
"This manga is full of hot bishounen!"
bishounen by WildSpirit April 18, 2003
A hot anime/manga guy that catches the eyes of the female readers or watches. But is mistaked to much by parents & non-anime/manga people to be female charaters. Usually the charater is either a sad one or has a hidden past which draws people to them. Also known as a charater they the watches or reader will never forget.
Vincent Final Fantasy VII was found in a weird place yet when seen he has long black hair, smoth face, and unknown past which makes him so bishounen.

Howl Howl's Moving Castle is seen with fairly long hair with a girlish face that dresses in fancy clothes.
bishounen by Redsun May 13, 2006