Translation guide
The quality of being visually striking, often in a way that attracts attention, ranging from elegant brilliance to excessive flashiness.
Describing something that is overly bright, colorful, or decorated in a way that is considered tasteless or too attention-grabbing.
The most common word for 'showy' or 'flashy'. Can be used for clothes, makeup, colors, or events. Often has a slightly negative nuance of being gaudy or loud.
She always wears showy clothes.
That tie is a bit too flashy.
Describes something gaudy or garish, often with too many bright colors or excessive decoration. Stronger negative nuance than 派手.
I don't like gaudy makeup.
Colloquial, often used for colors that are harsh or glaringly bright. Implies an unpleasant intensity.
Isn't this pink too loud?
Describing something that is impressively beautiful, bright, or magnificent in a positive way, such as a performance, scenery, or achievement.
Conveys a positive sense of showiness: gorgeous, glamorous, or brilliant. Often used for events, atmospheres, or people.
It was a showy party (in a good way).
Means vivid, brilliant, or striking, especially for colors, skills, or memories. Focuses on clarity and brightness rather than decoration.
Literary word meaning gorgeous or dazzlingly beautiful, often used in fixed phrases like 絢爛豪華 (gorgeous and magnificent).
Describing something or someone that attracts attention by being different from the surroundings, not necessarily in a negative way.
Describing a person's manner or actions that are deliberately attention-seeking, dramatic, or flamboyant.
Also used for behavior or lifestyle. 派手にやる means to do something in a big, showy way.
He spends money in a showy way.
Means exaggerated, over-the-top, or theatrical. Often used for gestures, reactions, or stories.
Describes behavior that is ostentatiously done to show off, often with a negative nuance of flaunting.
派手 often implies a negative judgment (gaudy, loud), while 華やか is positive (glamorous, brilliant). Use 派手 for clothes that are too bright, and 華やか for a beautiful party atmosphere.
a flashy shirt vs a gorgeous dress
There is no single noun that perfectly matches 'showiness'. Instead, use adjectives like 派手さ (degree of flashiness) or rephrase with verbs like 目立つ (stand out). Avoid direct translations like ショーイネス.
She has a showy presence (glamorous).
鮮やかな色彩の絵だ。
It's a painting with showy colors (vivid).
絢爛たる宮殿
a showy palace (dazzlingly beautiful)
That's a showy-colored car (conspicuous).
The sign has a showy design that catches the eye.
彼の大げさな身振りが目立つ。
His showy gestures stand out.
He shows off his new car in a showy manner.