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.
彼女はいつもおしゃれだ。
She is always stylish.
おしゃれなカフェに行きたい。
I want to go to a stylish cafe.
A casual, slightly playful term for a person who is stylish or fashion-conscious.
あの人は本当におしゃれさんだね。
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.
彼の服装はとてもファッショナブルだ。
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.
そのドレスはとてもシックで素敵だ。
That dress is very stylish and lovely.
シックな装いの女性
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.
彼の振る舞いはとても粋だ。
His demeanor is very stylish (in a refined, traditional way).
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.
そのジャケット、かっこいいね。
That jacket is stylish/cool.
Slang for 'cool', 'stylish', 'trendy'. Used for people, clothes, or things. Very casual.
その服、イケてるじゃん。
Those clothes are stylish, aren't they?
Means 'stylish', 'smart', 'tasteful'. Often used for things like restaurants, interiors, or fashion. Can be slightly formal or literary.
洒落たバーで飲もう。
Let's drink at a stylish bar.
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.
彼女のファッションは派手だけど、すごくおしゃれだ。
Her fashion is flashy but very stylish.
Emphatic form of 派手, meaning 'extremely flashy' or 'over-the-top stylish'.
そのド派手なスーツは彼にしか着こなせない。
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.
彼はいつも小綺麗な格好をしている。
He always dresses in a neat, stylish way.
Means 'proper', 'neat', 'tidy'. Can imply a stylish, well-groomed appearance, especially in formal settings.
きちんとした服装で面接に行く。
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.
彼はおしゃれだけど、かっこよくはない。
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.
✕ スタイリッシュな人
Unnatural
◯ おしゃれな人
Stylish person
Her way of wearing kimono is stylish and elegant.