Translation guide
The English word "extravagant" covers several related ideas: spending too much money, being overly elaborate or luxurious, and behaving in an excessive or unrestrained way. Japanese expresses these with different words and phrases depending on the nuance.
Describing a person, lifestyle, or purchase that involves spending more money than necessary or reasonable.
The most common word for luxury or extravagance in spending. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Often implies indulgence rather than pure wastefulness.
He leads an extravagant lifestyle.
I can't afford such extravagance.
Emphasizes wastefulness or squandering money. Often used as a noun or suru-verb. More negative than 贅沢.
Wasting money is extravagant.
Literally "rough with money," meaning someone spends freely or extravagantly. Casual and common.
He's really extravagant with his money, isn't he?
A somewhat formal or literary term for squandering money. Often used in writing.
He squandered his fortune through extravagance.
Describing something like a party, decoration, or design that is showy, luxurious, or excessively fancy.
Means gorgeous, luxurious, or splendid. Commonly used for events, interiors, and items. Positive connotation.
It was an extravagant party.
The hotel lobby was decorated with extravagant ornaments.
Means flashy, showy, or gaudy. Can be used for clothing, colors, or events. Slightly negative if implying too much.
Formal or literary word for splendor or gorgeousness, often with a nuance of excessive decoration.
Describing actions, claims, or emotions that go beyond reasonable limits.
Means exaggerated or overblown. Often used for speech, reactions, or stories. Not about money.
His stories are always extravagant.
Means excess or surplus. Used in compounds like 過剰な反応 (excessive reaction). Formal.
Verb phrase meaning to go too far or exceed bounds. Natural in conversation.
Even as a joke, you shouldn't be extravagant.
贅沢 focuses on the act of spending or indulging, often with a sense of luxury. 豪華 describes the visual or experiential richness of something. A 贅沢な旅行 is a trip where you spend a lot; a 豪華な旅行 is a trip that is splendid and luxurious in its contents.
贅沢 is only about material luxury or indulgence. For extravagant behavior or exaggerated claims, use 大げさ or 過剰.
Her dress is a bit too extravagant.
Avoid extravagant decoration.
His reaction was extravagant.