Expressing “beautiful” with 美丽 and 优美
Both words mean “beautiful” but they are not always used in the same way.
The word 美丽
The word 美丽 
can be either an adjective or a noun:
can be either an adjective or a noun:美丽 as an adjective
As an adjective, 美丽 has the meaning “beautiful", "charming”. We usually use it to describe appearances, landscapes, or some natural phenomenons.
Examples
她是个非常美丽的女人
She is a very beautiful woman
tā shì ge fēicháng měilì de nǚrén
这美丽的风景让我难忘
This beautiful landscape is impossible to forget
zhè měilì de fēngjǐng ràng wǒ nánwàng
布拉格是欧洲最美丽的城市
Prague is the most beautiful city in Europe
bùlāgé shì ōuzhōu zuì měilì de chéngshì
美丽 as a noun
As a noun, 美丽 has the meaning of “beauty”.
Examples
他为她的美丽所倾倒
He was overwhelmed by her beauty
tā wèi tā de měilì suǒ qīngdǎo
自然的美丽是最美的
The best part of nature is its beauty
zìrán dì měilì shì zuì měi de
The adjective 优美
We use the adjective 优美 to describe the sights and sounds of songs, manners, actions or landscapes. This adjective most often refers to feelings.
to describe the sights and sounds of songs, manners, actions or landscapes. This adjective most often refers to feelings.Examples
该演员的下场动作十分优美
The actor's final act is beautiful
gāi yǎnyuán de xiàchǎng dòngzuò shífēn yōuměi
这是美国风景最优美的一个地区
This is one of the most stunning areas of the United States
zhè shì měiguó fēngjǐng zuì yōuměi de yí ge dìqū
他唱了一首优美的歌曲
He sang a beautiful song
tā chàng le yì shǒu yōuměi de gēqǔ
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