Translation guide
Describes something that attracts attention through bright colors, bold design, or ostentatious display. Japanese has several words that capture different nuances of 'showy', from flashy and gaudy to simply standing out. The most common and versatile word is 派手 (はで), but alternatives like 華やか (はなやか) for glamorous elegance or 目立つ (めだつ) for standing out are also important.
Describing something visually striking in a bold, sometimes excessive way, often with a negative or neutral connotation.
The most common word for 'showy'. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context. Used for clothes, colors, makeup, decorations, etc.
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.
Emphatic form of 派手, meaning 'garish' or 'loud'. Often negative.
その看板は派手派手しくて目障りだ。
That sign is so garish it's an eyesore.
Means 'gaudy' or 'tawdry', often implying cheap or tasteless showiness.
けばけばしい化粧は好きじゃない。
I don't like gaudy makeup.
Describing something that is showy in an elegant, beautiful, or celebratory way.
Implies glamour, brilliance, and elegance. Often used for events, celebrities, or beautiful decorations.
華やかなパーティーだった。
It was a glamorous party.
彼女は華やかなドレスを着ていた。
She wore a dazzling dress.
Means 'glittering' or 'gorgeous', emphasizing sparkling beauty. Often used for jewelry, costumes, or festive decorations.
Describing something or someone that attracts attention by being different or prominent, without implying bright colors.
Verb meaning 'to stand out' or 'to be conspicuous'. Can be used for appearance, behavior, or anything noticeable.
彼は背が高くて目立つ。
He stands out because he's tall.
その車は色が目立つ。
That car has a conspicuous color.
Phrase meaning 'to attract attention' or 'to catch people's eyes'. Often used for striking appearance.
Means 'to be prominent' or 'to stand out' in a striking way, often for excellence or distinctiveness.
Describing a showy display of wealth, success, or personality, often with a negative connotation of showing off.
Also used for behavior or lifestyle that is flashy or flamboyant.
彼は派手な生活を送っている。
He leads a flashy lifestyle.
Noun meaning 'a love of showiness' or 'a flashy person'.
派手 (はで) can be neutral or negative, implying loudness or gaudiness. 華やか (はなやか) is positive, suggesting elegance and glamour. Use 華やか for beautiful, dazzling things and 派手 for things that might be too flashy.
If 'showy' means 'conspicuous' without bright colors, use 目立つ (めだつ) instead. For example, 'a showy display of knowledge' would be 知識をひけらかす (ちしきをひけらかす), not 派手.
派手なアクセサリーは好きじゃない。
I don't like showy jewelry.
春になると庭が華やかになる。
The garden is showy in spring.
きらびやかな装飾が施された舞台。
A stage adorned with glittering decorations.
彼女のファッションはいつも人目を引く。
Her fashion always attracts attention.
彼の才能は際立っている。
His talent is outstanding.
Verb meaning 'to show off' or 'to flaunt'. Used when someone deliberately displays something to impress others.
彼は新車を見せびらかしている。
He's showing off his new car.
She loves flashy things and always dresses conspicuously.