Translation guide
The English word 'lavish' describes something that is sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious, often involving great expense or generosity. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, different words and phrases capture specific aspects like extravagance, generosity, or abundance. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on the intended meaning.
Describing something that is impressively luxurious, elaborate, or expensive in appearance or execution, such as a party, decoration, or lifestyle.
A common adjective meaning 'gorgeous', 'luxurious', or 'splendid'. Used for things like hotels, meals, events, and decorations. It emphasizes visual richness and high quality.
豪華なパーティーに招待された。
I was invited to a lavish party.
このホテルは豪華な装飾で知られている。
This hotel is known for its lavish decorations.
A noun/adjective meaning 'luxury' or 'extravagance'. Often implies indulgence and spending freely on pleasures. Can be used for experiences, items, or lifestyles.
彼は贅沢な生活を送っている。
He leads a lavish lifestyle.
贅沢なディナーを楽しんだ。
We enjoyed a lavish dinner.
Means 'showy', 'glamorous', or 'brilliant'. Focuses on visual splendor and a lively, festive atmosphere. Often used for events, fashion, or performances.
華やかな結婚式だった。
It was a lavish wedding.
A literary word meaning 'gorgeous' or 'brilliant', often used in the phrase 絢爛豪華 (けんらんごうか) for something dazzlingly beautiful and ornate. Suitable for formal or written descriptions.
絢爛豪華な衣装が展示されていた。
Lavish costumes were on display.
Describing a large amount given freely, such as money, gifts, praise, or food portions.
An adjective phrase meaning 'generous' or 'open-handed'. Used for people who give money, gifts, or help without hesitation.
彼は気前がいいから、いつも奢ってくれる。
He's lavish with his money, so he always treats us.
Means 'unstinting' or 'ungrudging'. Often used for lavish praise, support, or effort given without reservation.
彼女は惜しみない拍手を送った。
She gave lavish applause.
惜しみない支援に感謝します。
Thank you for your lavish support.
An adverb meaning 'plentifully' or 'amply'. Used for generous amounts of food, time, or other resources. Casual and common.
A casual noun/adjective meaning 'generous' or 'big-hearted', often implying willingness to spend money on others. Slightly old-fashioned or colloquial.
Describing something that is too much, overly elaborate, or wasteful, often with a critical tone.
Means 'excessive' or 'surplus'. Used for things that are more than necessary, such as decoration, spending, or effort.
過剰な装飾はかえって安っぽく見える。
Lavish decoration can actually look cheap.
Means 'flashy' or 'gaudy'. Often used negatively for something too showy or loud in color or style.
A phrase meaning 'to go too far' or 'to exceed bounds'. Can describe lavishness that becomes inappropriate.
そのパーティーは度を越した贅沢だった。
The party was excessively lavish.
豪華 (ごうか) focuses on visual splendor and quality, often used for objects or events. 贅沢 (ぜいたく) emphasizes the experience of luxury and indulgence, often with a sense of personal enjoyment or wastefulness. 豪華なホテル (a gorgeous hotel) vs 贅沢な休暇 (a luxurious vacation).
豪華な内装のレストランで贅沢な食事をした。
We had a lavish meal at a restaurant with gorgeous interiors.
The English word 'lavish' covers many nuances. Directly translating it as ラヴィッシュ is not used. Choose the Japanese word that matches the specific meaning: luxury, generosity, or excess.
たっぷりのクリームがかかったケーキ。
A cake with a lavish amount of cream.
太っ腹な社長がボーナスをくれた。
The lavish president gave us a bonus.
His lavish spending became a problem.