Translation guide
The English word 'glitter' refers to small, shiny particles used for decoration, or the effect of sparkling light. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the small, shiny particles used in arts, crafts, or makeup.
The most common word for decorative glitter, especially in makeup, nail art, and crafts. Borrowed from French 'lamé'.
このラメはとてもきれいですね。
This glitter is very pretty, isn't it?
Direct loanword from English, used in similar contexts to ラメ, but slightly less common.
I made a card using glitter.
Literally 'gold and silver powder', used for traditional crafts or describing glitter-like substances. More descriptive and less common in everyday speech.
Gold and silver powder is used in that painting.
Describing something that shines with many small, bright points of light.
Verb meaning 'to glitter', 'to sparkle', or 'to twinkle'. Often used for stars, jewels, or eyes.
The stars were glittering in the night sky.
General verb for 'to shine' or 'to glitter'. Can be used for a wide range of shiny things.
Onomatopoeic phrase meaning 'to glitter' or 'to sparkle' with a bright, cheerful nuance. Often used for clean or polished surfaces.
The floor is glittering.
Describes a flickering or intermittent glitter, like sunlight on water or a distant light.
The water surface is glittering.
Referring to the quality or appearance of glittering light.
Both are loanwords for decorative glitter. ラメ is more common and often used in cosmetics and fashion. グリッター is a direct English loan and may be understood, but ラメ is the default choice.
glitter eyeshadow
グリッター only refers to the physical craft material. For sparkling light, use verbs like きらめく or 輝く.
ダイヤモンドが光を受けて輝いている。
The diamond is glittering in the light.
宝石の輝きに魅了された。
I was fascinated by the glitter of the jewels.