Translation guide
A woman who flirts playfully, often without serious intent. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through descriptive phrases, loanwords, or specific terms for flirtatious behavior, rather than a single direct equivalent.
Describing a woman who enjoys flirting or teasing romantically, often in a lighthearted or playful way.
Literally 'man-deceiver', this is a common colloquial term for a woman who seduces or leads men on, often with a negative or playful connotation.
Referring to the act of flirting or teasing in a coquettish manner, rather than the person.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'coquette'. Using the loanword コケット may sound unnatural or overly literary in casual conversation. Instead, describe the behavior or use terms like 男たらし for a flirtatious woman.
男たらし often implies a woman who manipulates or deceives men, sometimes with a negative nuance. 小悪魔 is more playful and cute, suggesting a teasing but not necessarily malicious flirt. Choose based on the desired connotation.
彼女は男たらしで有名だ。
She's famous for being a coquette.
Direct loanword from French 'coquette', used in fashion or literary contexts to describe a flirtatious, stylish woman. Less common in everyday speech.
彼女はまるでパリのコケットのようだ。
She's like a Parisian coquette.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a woman who scatters sex appeal', implying flirtatious behavior.
彼女はいつも色気を振りまいている。
She's always acting like a coquette.
Literally 'little devil', used for a woman who is playfully mischievous and seductive, often in a cute or teasing way. Popular in youth culture.
彼女は小悪魔的な魅力がある。
She has a coquettish charm.
Verb meaning to flatter or fawn, often used for flirtatious or ingratiating behavior. Can be negative if overdone.
彼女は男性に媚びるのが上手だ。
She's good at coquetting with men.
Idiom meaning 'to make eyes at someone', i.e., to flirt with glances.
彼女は彼に色目を使った。
She gave him a coquettish look.
Verb meaning to act spoiled or seek affection, often in a flirtatious or childish way. Common in romantic contexts.
彼女は甘えるように彼を見つめた。
She looked at him coquettishly.