Translation guide
Describes someone or something that is fashionable, elegant, or has a refined sense of style. Japanese has several words that overlap with 'stylish', but they differ in nuance, from high fashion to casual coolness.
To describe a person, outfit, or item that is currently fashionable and looks good.
The most common and versatile word for 'stylish'. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Implies a good sense of fashion and effort in appearance.
She is always stylish.
I want to go to a stylish cafe.
A casual, slightly playful term for a person who is stylish or fashion-conscious.
That person is really stylish, isn't he?
A direct loanword from English. Often used in fashion contexts, but can sound slightly more formal or written.
His outfit is very stylish.
To describe a refined, classy style that is not just trendy but also tasteful and high-quality.
From French 'chic'. Implies understated elegance and sophistication. Often used for fashion, interiors, or a person's overall style.
That dress is very stylish and lovely.
a woman in stylish attire
Means 'elegant', 'refined', or 'graceful'. Focuses on good taste and classiness rather than trendiness.
A traditional Japanese aesthetic concept meaning 'chic', 'stylish', but with a nuance of understated, effortless sophistication. Often used in contexts like kimono or traditional arts.
To describe a modern, cool, or hip style, often in casual contexts.
Literally 'cool' or 'good-looking', but often used to mean 'stylish' in a casual, attractive way. More about looking sharp than being fashionable.
That jacket is stylish/cool.
Slang for 'cool', 'stylish', 'trendy'. Used for people, clothes, or things. Very casual.
Means 'stylish', 'smart', 'tasteful'. Often used for things like restaurants, interiors, or fashion. Can be slightly formal or literary.
To describe a style that is bold, eye-catching, or flamboyant.
Means 'flashy', 'showy', 'gaudy'. Can be positive or negative depending on context. When positive, it means boldly stylish.
Her fashion is flashy but very stylish.
Emphatic form of 派手, meaning 'extremely flashy' or 'over-the-top stylish'.
Only he can pull off that super flashy suit stylishly.
To describe a style that is crisp, well-put-together, and not messy.
Means 'neat', 'trim', 'smart'. Often used for appearance that is clean and stylish without being flashy.
He always dresses in a neat, stylish way.
Means 'proper', 'neat', 'tidy'. Can imply a stylish, well-groomed appearance, especially in formal settings.
Go to the interview in neat, stylish attire.
おしゃれ focuses on fashion sense and effort, while かっこいい is about looking cool or attractive. A person can be かっこいい without being particularly おしゃれ, and vice versa.
He is stylish but not cool.
The English word 'stylish' is sometimes directly borrowed as スタイリッシュ, but it is less common and can sound unnatural. Use おしゃれ or other native words instead.
Unnatural
Stylish person
彼女の着物の着こなしは上品だ。
Her way of wearing kimono is stylish and elegant.
His demeanor is very stylish (in a refined, traditional way).
Those clothes are stylish, aren't they?
Let's drink at a stylish bar.