Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
洒落る (しゃれる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Conjugation Meanings 1
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
dress stylishly ; be chic
Describes a person, outfit, or appearance that is fashionable, tasteful, or sophisticated. Often used in the past tense 洒落た to describe something stylish.
That shop is popular for its chic atmosphere.
2
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
joke ; play on words ; crack a joke
Refers to making a witty remark, pun, or light-hearted joke. Often implies clever or refined humor rather than crude joking.
Written forms 洒落しゃれ る Usage 55%
ateji (phonetic kanji usage)
Standard kanji spelling, though the characters are ateji (phonetic).
しゃれる Usage 45%
Kana spelling is common in informal writing and when the kanji are considered difficult.
Similar words お 洒落しゃれ お洒落 is a noun/na-adjective meaning 'fashionable' or 'stylish', while 洒落る is the verb form meaning 'to dress stylishly' or 'to joke'.
冗じょう 談だん を 言い う 冗談を言う is a more common and direct way to say 'to tell a joke', while 洒落る often carries a nuance of witty or refined humor.
Etymology The kanji 洒落 are ateji (phonetic) for the native Japanese verb しゃれる. The exact derivation is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of 'clearing away' or 'refining', which developed into the meanings of stylishness and witty speech.