Translation guide
Describes something that is extremely comfortable, elegant, and often expensive. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 豪華 (gouka), but other words are used depending on whether you're talking about a lifestyle, a hotel, fabric, or food.
Describing something as lavish, splendid, or high-class in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'luxurious'. Used for hotels, meals, events, interiors, etc. Emphasizes splendor and richness.
豪華なホテルに泊まった。
I stayed at a luxurious hotel.
豪華な夕食を楽しんだ。
We enjoyed a luxurious dinner.
Often translated as 'luxury' or 'extravagance'. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Implies indulgence and sometimes excess. Common in phrases like 贅沢な時間 (luxurious time).
たまには贅沢なディナーを食べたい。
I want to have a luxurious dinner once in a while.
贅沢な悩みだね。
That's a luxurious problem to have.
Loanword from English. Used mainly in marketing or fashion contexts to sound modern and sophisticated. Often seen in brand names.
ラグジュアリーブランドのバッグを買った。
I bought a bag from a luxury brand.
Describing a lifestyle, experience, or feeling of comfort and indulgence.
Means 'elegant' or 'graceful', but often used to describe a luxurious, refined lifestyle or atmosphere. Focuses on quality and sophistication rather than opulence.
優雅な生活に憧れる。
I long for a luxurious lifestyle.
優雅なひとときを過ごした。
I spent a luxurious moment.
Loanword meaning 'rich'. Used casually to describe a luxurious or affluent feeling, often for food or experiences.
Describing materials, especially clothing or upholstery, that feel soft, thick, and high-quality.
Means 'high-class' or 'high-grade'. Commonly used for luxurious materials, brands, or products. More about quality and price than appearance.
高級なシルクのドレスを着ている。
She is wearing a luxurious silk dress.
Means 'fine quality'. Often used for materials, fabrics, or craftsmanship. Emphasizes superior texture or make.
Describing food that is rich, indulgent, or made with expensive ingredients.
Means 'rich' or 'thick' in flavor. Used for creamy, intense foods like cheesecake, ramen broth, or chocolate. Conveys a sense of indulgence.
このチョコレートケーキは濃厚で贅沢な味だ。
This chocolate cake has a rich, luxurious taste.
Loanword meaning 'gourmet'. Used to describe luxurious or high-quality food experiences. Often used in compound words like グルメ旅行 (gourmet trip).
豪華 (gouka) emphasizes visual splendor and lavishness (e.g., a luxurious hotel lobby). 贅沢 (zeitaku) focuses on the experience of indulgence and can sometimes imply wastefulness. 高級 (koukyuu) is about high grade and price, often used for products and brands. Choose based on whether you want to highlight appearance, experience, or quality.
ラグジュアリー is a loanword that sounds trendy but can feel out of place in everyday conversation. Stick to 豪華 or 高級 unless you're specifically aiming for a modern, brand-oriented tone.
彼女は贅沢な生活を送っている。
She lives a luxurious life.
ホテルの部屋は豪華だった。
The hotel room was luxurious.
This cake tastes luxurious.
上質なカシミアのセーターは肌触りがいい。
A luxurious cashmere sweater feels good on the skin.
We dined at a luxurious restaurant.