Translation guide
Describes something that shines with many small, bright points of light, often in a sparkling or shimmering way. Can be used literally for objects and metaphorically for impressive or glamorous things.
Describing something that reflects many small points of light, like jewels, stars, or water.
Describing something that is impressively luxurious, flashy, or dazzling, often in a social or entertainment context.
Describing eyes that are wet and reflecting light, often from tears or emotion.
キラキラ is the most common for a pleasant, sparkling glitter. ピカピカ implies a polished, clean shine (like a new car). ギラギラ is a harsh, glaring glitter, often negative.
宝石がキラキラ光る。
Jewels glitter prettily.
床がピカピカに磨かれている。
The floor is polished to a glittering shine.
ギラギラしたネオンサイン。
Glaring, glittering neon signs.
An onomatopoeic word that vividly describes something sparkling or glittering. Very common and natural for everyday use.
星がキラキラ輝いている。
The stars are glittering.
彼女の指輪がキラキラ光っていた。
Her ring was glittering.
Also onomatopoeic, but often implies a clean, polished shine rather than many small points. Can be used for glittering surfaces.
磨いた床がピカピカだ。
The polished floor is glittering.
A verb meaning to glitter or sparkle. Slightly more literary or poetic than キラキラ.
湖面が朝日にきらめいている。
The lake surface is glittering in the morning sun.
Means gorgeous, showy, or glamorous. Often used for events, fashion, or people.
彼女は華やかなドレスを着ていた。
She wore a glittering dress.
華やかなパーティーだった。
It was a glittering party.
Means dazzlingly beautiful or glittering with decoration. Often implies excessive ornamentation.
きらびやかな装飾が施された宮殿。
A palace with glittering decorations.
Onomatopoeia for a harsh, glaring glitter, often with a negative nuance of being too flashy or vulgar.
ギラギラしたアクセサリーをつけている。
Wearing glittering accessories (in a flashy way).
Onomatopoeia for eyes that are moist and sparkling, often from tears or strong emotion. Very common.
彼女の目が涙でうるうるしていた。
Her eyes were glittering with tears.
Can also be used for eyes shining with excitement or joy.
子供たちの目がキラキラ輝いていた。
The children's eyes were glittering.