だて
Meanings
1
stylishness; elegance; dandyism; sophistication
usually written using kana alone
Describes a stylish, polished, or somewhat showy elegance, especially in dress or personal manner. As a な-adjective it is commonly used as だてな or 伊達な.
He appeared at the venue dressed with style.
2
just for show; affectation; putting on airs; appearances
usually written using kana alone
Used when something is only for appearance or show. It is especially common in negative set phrases such as だてじゃない and だてに〜ない, meaning that something is not merely for show or not without good reason.
These glasses are not just for show; they really have prescription lenses.
He has not trained for ten years for nothing.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉は伊達じゃないisn't just for show (has real substance behind it)
His experience isn't just for show.
- 伊達な〈物〉a stylish, showy (thing)
His stylish way of dressing is his charm.
- 〈物〉を伊達で〈動詞〉to do something with an object purely for show
He wears glasses purely for show.