Translation guide
Describes someone or something that is showy, colorful, and attracts attention. In Japanese, this can be expressed through words for flashy appearance, bold personality, or ornate style.
Describing clothes, decorations, or visual style that is bright, bold, and attention-grabbing.
The most common and versatile word for 'flashy' or 'showy'. Can be used for clothes, makeup, colors, or events. Often used in the phrase 派手な (はでな) before a noun.
彼女はいつも派手な服を着ている。
She always wears flamboyant clothes.
その車は派手な色だね。
That car has a flamboyant color, doesn't it?
An emphatic form of 派手, meaning 'gaudy' or 'loud'. Often has a slightly negative nuance of being overly flashy.
あのネクタイは派手派手しすぎるよ。
That tie is way too flamboyant.
Means 'gaudy' or 'garish', often used for overly bright or clashing colors and excessive decoration. Stronger negative nuance than 派手.
けばけばしい化粧は好きじゃない。
I don't like flamboyant makeup.
Means 'gorgeous', 'showy', or 'glamorous' in a positive, elegant sense. Often used for events, decorations, or a person's aura.
華やかなパーティーだった。
It was a flamboyant party.
Describing a person who is flamboyant in behavior, confident, and likes to stand out.
Can also describe a person's character as 'flashy' or 'showy'. Often used with 性格 (せいかく, personality).
彼は派手な性格で、すぐに人気者になった。
He has a flamboyant personality and quickly became popular.
A noun meaning 'someone who likes to stand out' or 'attention-seeker'. Describes the flamboyant tendency directly.
あの子は目立ちたがりで、いつも面白いことをする。
That kid is flamboyant and always does funny things.
Literally 'flashy-liking', describes a person who prefers flamboyant things or style.
Describing something intricately decorated, such as architecture, art, or prose style.
Means 'splendid', 'magnificent', or 'flamboyant' in a refined, artistic sense. Often used for performances, writing, or design.
彼の文章は華麗で、読者を魅了する。
His writing is flamboyant and captivates readers.
Means 'gorgeous' or 'brilliant', often used in the phrase 絢爛豪華 (けんらんごうか) for something dazzlingly ornate.
Describing dramatic, sweeping movements or theatrical behavior.
Means 'exaggerated' or 'theatrical'. Often used for gestures, reactions, or storytelling.
彼は大げさな身振りで話す。
He speaks with flamboyant gestures.
Literally 'play-like', meaning 'theatrical' or 'melodramatic'. Describes behavior that seems like acting.
彼の謝り方は芝居がかっていて、誠意が感じられなかった。
His apology was flamboyant and didn't feel sincere.
派手 (はで) is the most common word for 'flamboyant' and can be used for both appearance and personality, but it sometimes carries a slightly negative nuance of being gaudy or loud. 華やか (はなやか) is more positive and elegant, often used for glamorous events or refined beauty. Use 派手 for everyday flashiness, and 華やか for sophisticated showiness.
派手なシャツ vs 華やかなドレス
a flashy shirt vs a gorgeous dress
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'flamboyant'. Translating directly as フランボヤント (furanboyanto) is not natural. Instead, choose the word that matches the specific aspect: flashy appearance (派手), bold personality (目立ちたがり), ornate design (華麗), or theatrical behavior (大げさ).
She likes flamboyant things, so I think she'll like this dress.
絢爛豪華な装飾が施された宮殿。
A palace with flamboyant decorations.