Translation guide
The English word "gloss" can refer to a shiny surface, a brief explanation, or a deceptive appearance. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Describing a shiny, reflective quality on a surface, like on lips, paint, or paper.
A short definition or explanatory note, often in a margin or glossary.
A false or misleading outward appearance that hides the truth.
光沢 is a more technical term for gloss as a physical property (e.g., gloss meter is 光沢計). 艶 often implies a healthy, attractive shine, especially on organic things like hair or skin. For lip gloss, グロス is most common.
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' (to ignore or minimize) does not translate directly. Use うやむやにする or 軽く扱う instead. Example: 彼はその問題をうやむやにした (He glossed over the problem).
General term for luster or sheen, used for surfaces like paint, paper, or fabric.
この紙は光沢がある。
This paper has a gloss.
Often used for a healthy, attractive shine on hair, skin, or lips. Can also refer to a glossy finish on objects.
彼女の髪には艶がある。
Her hair has a gloss.
Loanword from English, commonly used for lip gloss or a glossy finish in cosmetics and design.
リップグロスを塗った。
I applied lip gloss.
Specifically refers to a gloss finish in manufacturing or printing.
光沢仕上げの写真用紙。
Gloss-finish photo paper.
A note or annotation explaining a word or passage, similar to a gloss in a text.
この本には難しい言葉に注釈がついている。
This book has glosses for difficult words.
Explanation or commentary; can be used for a gloss that provides more detail.
各章の終わりに用語の解説がある。
There is a gloss of terms at the end of each chapter.
Specifically a word definition or gloss in a dictionary or glossary.
語釈を読んで意味を確認した。
I checked the meaning by reading the gloss.
Something that is only for show; a facade or pretense.
彼の親切は見せかけに過ぎない。
His kindness is just a gloss.
The surface or outward appearance, often implying shallowness.
上辺だけの謝罪だった。
It was a gloss of an apology.