Translation guide
The English word 'fancy' has several distinct meanings: liking or wanting something, imagining something, something elaborate or decorative, and a sudden whim. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Expressing that you feel like having or doing something, often casually or spontaneously.
Used for wanting a thing (noun). 'I fancy X' when X is an object.
新しいスマホがほしい。
I fancy a new smartphone.
Means 'to feel like doing something' on a whim. Often used in the conditional 気が向いたら (if I feel like it).
気が向いたら行く。
I'll go if I fancy it.
Used as 'in the mood for'. 〜気分だ or 〜気分になる. More about mood than a direct desire.
今日はピザの気分だ。
I fancy pizza today.
Expressing that you believe something to be true, often mistakenly, or that you can picture something.
The standard verb for 'imagine'. Can be used for both positive and mistaken beliefs.
彼が来るとは想像しなかった。
I never fancied he would come.
自分が優勝するなんて想像できない。
I can't fancy myself winning.
General verb for 'think'. In some contexts, it can translate 'fancy' when expressing a vague belief.
To be under the mistaken impression. Stronger than 思う, implies a fixed false belief.
Describing something that is not plain or simple, often with intricate design or luxury.
Means 'showy', 'flashy', or 'gaudy'. Often used for clothes, colors, or decorations. Can be negative if too much.
そのドレスはちょっと派手すぎる。
That dress is a bit too fancy.
Means 'luxurious', 'splendid', or 'lavish'. Positive connotation, used for fancy hotels, meals, etc.
Means 'elaborate', 'intricate', or 'carefully made'. Used for detailed craftsmanship or complex designs.
凝ったデザインのケーキ。
A cake with a fancy design.
Means 'high-class' or 'luxury'. Often used for brands, restaurants, or goods.
Means 'stylish', 'chic', or 'tasteful'. Often used for fashion or interior design. Can be written 洒落た.
しゃれたカフェを見つけた。
I found a fancy little café.
Referring to a spontaneous desire or a temporary attraction to something or someone.
Means 'whim', 'caprice', or 'fancy'. Used for impulsive decisions or fleeting interests.
それはただの気まぐれだ。
It's just a passing fancy.
Means 'liking', 'taste', or 'preference'. Can be used for a personal fancy.
English 'fancy' is very broad. In Japanese, you must choose the right word based on whether you mean 'want', 'imagine', 'decorative', or 'whim'. Using 派手 for 'I fancy a drink' would be nonsense.
派手 (flashy) can be negative, implying too much. 豪華 (luxurious) is positive and grand. 凝った (elaborate) focuses on detailed craftsmanship. Choose based on nuance.
He fancies himself a star.
彼女は自分が病気だと思い込んでいる。
She fancies herself ill.
We enjoyed a fancy dinner.
高級レストランで食事した。
We ate at a fancy restaurant.
That's not to my fancy.