Translation guide
Describes a surface that is smooth and shiny, reflecting light. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with つやがある or 光沢がある. The specific word choice depends on what is being described and the context.
To describe a surface that has a smooth, light-reflecting quality, like polished wood, paint, or paper.
The most common and natural way to say something has a glossy finish or luster. Used for hair, paint, lips, furniture, etc.
このテーブルはつやがあってきれいだ。
This table is glossy and beautiful.
Her hair is always glossy.
A slightly more formal or technical term for glossiness, often used for materials like metal, ceramics, or printed surfaces.
この紙は光沢があるので、写真印刷に向いている。
This paper is glossy, so it's suitable for photo printing.
An onomatopoeic adverb or な-adjective describing a healthy, attractive glossiness, often used for skin, hair, or fruit.
つやつやした唇ですね。
You have glossy lips.
Describes an oily or overly shiny surface, sometimes with a negative connotation of being greasy or cheap-looking.
Can imply an undesirable shine, like greasy skin or cheap plastic.
顔がテカテカしているから、あぶらとり紙を使った。
My face was glossy/oily, so I used oil blotting paper.
Referring specifically to a glossy photo paper or print finish, as opposed to matte.
The standard term for 'glossy' in the context of photo paper or print finishes. Often used in compounds like 光沢紙 (glossy paper).
写真は光沢でプリントしてください。
Please print the photos in glossy.
Loanword from English 'gloss', used in contexts like makeup (lip gloss) or sometimes printing.
グロスペーパーに印刷する。
Print on glossy paper.
Describing something that is superficially attractive, polished, or slick, often in a slightly negative sense (e.g., a glossy magazine, a glossy presentation).
Means 'showy' or 'flashy', often used for glossy, eye-catching magazines or designs.
彼は派手な雑誌ばかり読んでいる。
He only reads glossy magazines.
Describes something gorgeous, glittering, and luxurious, like a glossy celebrity photo spread.
Literally 'only on the surface', used to criticize something that is glossy but lacks substance.
その提案は上辺だけのものだった。
The proposal was just a glossy one.
つや is the everyday word for gloss or luster, used for natural shine like hair or skin. 光沢 is more technical and often used for manufactured surfaces like paper, metal, or ceramics.
The English word 'glossy' does not have a single direct adjective equivalent in Japanese. Instead, use phrases like つやがある or 光沢がある. Simply saying グロッシーな is not natural.
きらびやかな写真集を買った。
I bought a glossy photo book.