noun, na-adjective
splendor; magnificence; gorgeousness
Positive or neutral sense: impressive beauty, richness, or grandeur, often of decoration, attire, or architecture.
その宮殿は華美な装飾で知られている。
The palace is known for its magnificent decorations.
彼女のドレスは華美で、パーティーの主役だった。
Her dress was gorgeous and she was the star of the party.
noun, na-adjective
showiness; gaudiness; extravagance
Often negative or critical: excessive or tasteless display, flashiness, or luxury that is considered overdone.
あの店の内装は華美すぎて落ち着かない。
The interior of that shop is too showy and makes me uneasy.
華美な生活を送るよりも、質素な暮らしを好む。
I prefer a simple life to an extravagant one.
豪華 emphasizes luxury and lavishness, often with a positive connotation, while 華美 can imply both splendor and excessive showiness depending on context.
派手 is more casual and directly means 'flashy' or 'loud', often used for colors or behavior, whereas 華美 is more formal and refers to ornate beauty or extravagance.
Compound of 華 (flower, brilliance) and 美 (beauty). The combination suggests 'flowery beauty', which developed into the meanings of splendor and showiness.