Translation guide
Describes a playful, flirtatious manner, often associated with feminine charm. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases that convey coyness, seductive playfulness, or a teasingly alluring attitude.
To describe a person, especially a woman, who behaves in a teasingly flirtatious way, often with charm and lightheartedness.
A verb meaning to flatter or act coquettishly to gain favor. Often used for behavior that is ingratiating or seductive.
She laughed in a coquettish way toward the men.
An adjective meaning sexy or alluring, often with a nuance of coquettish charm. Can describe appearance, voice, or behavior.
Everyone was captivated by her coquettish gestures.
An adjective describing a woman who is coquettish and seductive, often with a mature, bewitching charm. Slightly literary.
I was startled by her coquettish gaze.
An adjective meaning seductive or coquettish, often with a nuance of elegant, refined allure. Can describe a woman's beauty or atmosphere.
I was mesmerized by her coquettish figure.
A phrase meaning to make eyes at someone, to give a coquettish look. Literally 'use amorous glances'.
He was making coquettish eyes at the women at the party.
To describe behavior that is shy yet flirtatious, often with a sense of playful reluctance.
A verb meaning to be shy or bashful in a charming, coquettish way. Often used for young women.
She smiled coquettishly, with a hint of shyness.
A verb meaning to fidget or act shyly, often in a coquettish or embarrassed manner. Can be used for both genders.
He was acting all coquettish and fidgety in front of her.
A phrase meaning to act standoffish or aloof in a coquettish way, playing hard to get. Often used for a 'tsundere' attitude.
She acts coquettishly aloof in front of the person she likes.
To describe a more overtly seductive or sexually suggestive coquettishness.
An adjective meaning seductive or alluring, often with a sense of causing desire or torment. Can describe a woman's pose or expression.
Her coquettish pose made my heart race.
An adjective meaning bewitching or suspiciously attractive, often with a mysterious, coquettish allure. Can be used for atmosphere or a person.
A phrase meaning 'like a little devil', used to describe a woman who is playfully seductive and coquettish, often with a mischievous edge. Popular in modern slang.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'coquettish'. The concept is expressed through various adjectives and verbs depending on the nuance. Using a dictionary gloss like 媚びる directly may sound too strong or negative in some contexts. Pay attention to the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.
She is wearing coquettish clothes. (using loanword コケティッシュ, but this is not common)
媚びる often implies a deliberate attempt to flatter or ingratiate, sometimes with a negative connotation of being obsequious. 色っぽい focuses more on the attractive, sexy quality itself, without necessarily implying manipulation. Choose based on whether you want to emphasize the action (媚びる) or the quality (色っぽい).
彼女の妖しい魅力に引き込まれた。
I was drawn in by her coquettish, bewitching charm.
I was defeated by her coquettish, devilish smile.