Kanji and meanings of Beautiful
 

Hi, I would like to understand the kanji character of Beautiful. I am just confused. What I want to do is make a wood carving of the meaning of Beautiful, when I translate it from English to Japanese it gives me a few Kanji.

For example, if I was to show the kanji
美しい does that mean beautiful

or does
美
Would a native Japanese person know this kanji as meaning beautiful or is there more to it?

Also I have noticed this Kanji is also used in Chinese, so I am looking for the common used Kanji of Beautiful in Japanese.

Any help would be wonderful!
Thanks!