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.
General term for luster or sheen, used for surfaces like paint, paper, or fabric.
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.
Her hair has a gloss.
Loanword from English, commonly used for lip gloss or a glossy finish in cosmetics and design.
I applied lip gloss.
Specifically refers to a gloss finish in manufacturing or printing.
Gloss-finish photo paper.
A short definition or explanatory note, often in a margin or glossary.
A note or annotation explaining a word or passage, similar to a gloss in a text.
This book has glosses for difficult words.
Explanation or commentary; can be used for a gloss that provides more detail.
Specifically a word definition or gloss in a dictionary or glossary.
A false or misleading outward appearance that hides the truth.
Something that is only for show; a facade or pretense.
His kindness is just a gloss.
The surface or outward appearance, often implying shallowness.
Ostentation or false glitter; a more literary term for deceptive gloss.
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).
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.
I checked the meaning by reading the gloss.
It was a gloss of an apology.
A life without gloss.