Translation guide
Describes something that is showy, gaudy, or attracts attention through bright colors, bold designs, or ostentatious style. Can be used for clothing, accessories, cars, or behavior.
Describing something visually loud, overly bright, or tastelessly showy, like clothing, decorations, or designs.
The most common and versatile word for 'flashy' in the sense of showy, gaudy, or loud. Can describe appearance, color, pattern, or even behavior.
彼女はいつも派手な服を着ている。
She always wears flashy clothes.
その車は派手な色だね。
That car has a flashy color, doesn't it?
Emphatic form of 派手, meaning very flashy or gaudy. Often has a negative nuance of being overly showy.
あのネクタイは派手派手しいね。
That tie is really flashy, isn't it?
Means gaudy, garish, or tacky. Used for overly bright or clashing colors and excessive decoration. Stronger negative nuance than 派手.
そのドレスはけばけばしくて趣味が悪い。
That dress is gaudy and tasteless.
Means harsh, glaring, or lurid. Often used for colors that are too intense or offensive to the eye.
壁の色がどぎつくて落ち着かない。
The wall color is so harsh I can't relax.
Describing someone who shows off wealth, status, or personality in a loud, attention-seeking way.
Also used for flashy behavior or lifestyle, like spending money conspicuously or acting flamboyantly.
彼は派手にお金を使う。
He spends money flashily.
派手なパフォーマンスで観客を沸かせた。
He excited the audience with a flashy performance.
Means gorgeous, showy, or glamorous in a positive sense. Often used for events, celebrities, or stylish appearances.
A noun meaning 'a person who likes flashy things' or 'a taste for the flashy'. Can describe someone's personality.
Describing something eye-catching and cool, like a sleek design or impressive move, without negative connotations.
Can also be used positively for something that is showy in a cool or impressive way, depending on context.
彼のプレーは派手だけど効果的だ。
His play is flashy but effective.
Means 'on the flashy side' or 'a bit flashy'. A softer way to say something is showy without being too strong.
このジャケットはちょっと派手めかな。
This jacket might be a bit flashy.
Slang meaning photogenic or visually striking, often for social media. Can imply flashy in a positive, Instagram-worthy way.
このネイル、めっちゃ映える！
These nails are super flashy/eye-catching!
派手 can be negative (gaudy) or neutral/positive depending on context. 華やか is almost always positive, meaning glamorous or gorgeous. Use 華やか for elegant flashiness, 派手 for loud or bold flashiness.
閃光 (せんこう) means 'flash of light' and is not used to describe flashy style. Stick to 派手 or similar adjectives.
彼女のドレスはとても華やかだった。
Her dress was very flashy/glamorous.
He likes flashy things and always dresses to stand out.