Translation guide
Describes someone or something that tries to impress by being showy, flashy, or overly elaborate, often in a way that feels excessive or in bad taste.
To describe a person, behavior, or thing that is deliberately showy to attract attention, often with a negative connotation of being gaudy or vulgar.
The most common and versatile word for 'showy' or 'flashy.' Can be used for clothes, makeup, decorations, or behavior. It can be neutral or negative depending on context.
She always wears flashy clothes.
That car has a flashy color, doesn't it?
Strongly negative, meaning 'gaudy' or 'garish.' Used for overly bright, clashing colors or excessive decoration that looks cheap.
That sign is gaudy and stands out.
Means 'gaudy' or 'loud' in a harsh, offensive way. Often used for colors or patterns that are painfully bright.
That tie is a gaudy color.
To describe someone who flaunts their money, possessions, or status in a way that is meant to impress others, often seen as vulgar or lacking class.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'ostentatious display' or 'showing off.' It implies deliberately flaunting something to make others envious.
I dislike his ostentatious attitude.
Literally 'nouveau riche taste.' Refers to the gaudy, ostentatious style of someone who has recently become rich and lacks refinement.
The interior of that house is ostentatious nouveau riche style.
To describe something that is excessively decorated, complex, or luxurious, often beyond what is necessary or tasteful.
Means 'luxurious' or 'extravagant.' It can be positive (splendid) or negative (overdone) depending on context. Often used for decorations, events, or meals.
It was an extravagant party.
Means 'pomp' or 'splendor,' often with a nuance of excessive ornamentation. More formal and literary.
Means 'luxury' or 'extravagance.' Often used for spending or lifestyle. Can be neutral or negative when implying wastefulness.
派手 (はで) is a general term for 'flashy' and can be neutral or even positive (e.g., 派手な色 'vivid color'). けばけばしい is always negative, implying gaudiness and bad taste. Use 派手 for simple showiness, and けばけばしい when you want to criticize the lack of refinement.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'ostentatious.' Choose the word based on whether you mean 'showy,' 'pretentious,' or 'extravagant.' Using a direct translation like オステンテイシャス is not natural.
She ostentatiously showed off her luxury bag.
A verb meaning 'to show off' or 'to flaunt.' It focuses on the action of displaying something proudly to gain admiration or envy.
He is showing off his new car.
A palace adorned with ostentatious decorations.
贅沢な暮らしをしている。
They live an ostentatious lifestyle.