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.
彼女はいつも派手な服を着ている。
She always wears showy clothes.
そのネクタイはちょっと派手すぎるよ。
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.
けばけばしい化粧は好きじゃない。
I don't like gaudy makeup.
Colloquial, often used for colors that are harsh or glaringly bright. Implies an unpleasant intensity.
このピンク、どぎつくない？
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.
華やかなパーティーだった。
It was a showy party (in a good way).
彼女は華やかな存在だ。
She has a showy presence (glamorous).
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.
The most common verb for 'stand out' or 'be conspicuous'. Can be used for appearance, behavior, or achievements.
彼は人混みの中で目立つ。
He stands out in a crowd.
目立つ色の車だね。
That's a showy-colored car (conspicuous).
A phrase meaning 'to attract attention' or 'to catch people's eyes'. Slightly more deliberate than 目立つ.
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.
彼は派手に金を使う。
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.
派手なシャツ vs 華やかなドレス
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.
It's a painting with showy colors (vivid).
絢爛たる宮殿
a showy palace (dazzlingly beautiful)
その看板は人目を引くデザインだ。
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.
これ見よがしに新車を自慢する。
He shows off his new car in a showy manner.