Translation guide
Describes a surface that is smooth and shiny, reflecting light. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with つやがある or 光沢がある. The specific word choice depends on what is being described and the context.
glossy (surface)
glossy (photo paper)
To describe a surface that has a smooth, light-reflecting quality, like polished wood, paint, or paper.
The most common and natural way to say something has a glossy finish or luster. Used for hair, paint, lips, furniture, etc.
This table is glossy and beautiful.
Her hair is always glossy.
A slightly more formal or technical term for glossiness, often used for materials like metal, ceramics, or printed surfaces.
An onomatopoeic adverb or な-adjective describing a healthy, attractive glossiness, often used for skin, hair, or fruit.
Describes an oily or overly shiny surface, sometimes with a negative connotation of being greasy or cheap-looking.
Can imply an undesirable shine, like greasy skin or cheap plastic.
Referring specifically to a glossy photo paper or print finish, as opposed to matte.
The standard term for 'glossy' in the context of photo paper or print finishes. Often used in compounds like 光沢紙 (glossy paper).
Please print the photos in glossy.
Loanword from English 'gloss', used in contexts like makeup (lip gloss) or sometimes printing.
Describing something that is superficially attractive, polished, or slick, often in a slightly negative sense (e.g., a glossy magazine, a glossy presentation).
Means 'showy' or 'flashy', often used for glossy, eye-catching magazines or designs.
He only reads glossy magazines.
Describes something gorgeous, glittering, and luxurious, like a glossy celebrity photo spread.
Literally 'only on the surface', used to criticize something that is glossy but lacks substance.
つや is the everyday word for gloss or luster, used for natural shine like hair or skin. 光沢 is more technical and often used for manufactured surfaces like paper, metal, or ceramics.
metallic gloss
The English word 'glossy' does not have a single direct adjective equivalent in Japanese. Instead, use phrases like つやがある or 光沢がある. Simply saying グロッシーな is not natural.
This paper is glossy, so it's suitable for photo printing.
つやつやした唇ですね。
You have glossy lips.
顔がテカテカしているから、あぶらとり紙を使った。
My face was glossy/oily, so I used oil blotting paper.
Print on glossy paper.
I bought a glossy photo book.
The proposal was just a glossy one.