Translation guide
Flirtatious behavior or speech intended to attract romantic or sexual interest, often playful and teasing.
Playful, teasing actions to show romantic interest
To act in a coquettish or ingratiating way, often with a nuance of trying to win favor through charm or flattery. Can be used for both men and women.
She gave a coquettish smile to the man.
Literally 'to use amorous glances', meaning to make eyes at someone, flirt with looks.
He was making eyes at the women at the party.
Coquettish airs or flirtatious mannerisms, often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
Many men were attracted by her coquettish ways.
Literally 'autumn ripples', a poetic term for amorous glances or coquettish looks. Rare in modern conversation.
She cast a coquettish glance.
Playful, teasing words to show romantic interest
To woo or flirt verbally, often with a nuance of trying to persuade someone romantically. Can be used for both serious and playful advances.
He flirted with her using sweet words.
To exchange playful, flirtatious words. More literary or formal.
Coquettish or amorous talk, often with a sensual nuance. Rare and literary.
Overall coquettish demeanor or personality
Loanword from French 'coquette', used to describe a flirtatious woman or her behavior. Common in fashion and lifestyle contexts.
She is a very coquettish woman.
Describes a coquettish, seductive, or charmingly flirtatious manner, often used for women. Slightly literary.
Literally 'bewitchingly killing', meaning so coquettish or charming that it captivates or overwhelms. Often used in entertainment contexts.
I was done in by her coquettish gaze.
The English word 'coquetry' is quite formal and literary. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; instead, use specific phrases or words depending on whether you mean flirtatious behavior, speech, or attitude. Using a direct translation like コケトリー (koketorii) would not be understood.
媚びる (kobiru) focuses on ingratiating behavior or flattery to attract, while 口説く (kudoku) is about verbal persuasion or wooing. 媚びる can sometimes have a negative nuance of being obsequious, so context matters.
The two walked while exchanging coquettish banter.
She blushed at his coquettish words.
彼女のあだっぽい仕草にドキッとした。
Her coquettish gesture made my heart skip a beat.