Translation guide
The English word 'luster' refers to a soft, gentle sheen or glow, often on a surface. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 光沢 (こうたく), but the best choice depends on what is shining and the context.
Describing a gentle, reflective shine on objects like metal, ceramics, hair, or fabric.
The standard word for luster or gloss. Used for surfaces like metal, pottery, hair, and fabric.
この陶器は美しい光沢がある。
This pottery has a beautiful luster.
髪の光沢が失われた。
My hair has lost its luster.
Also means luster or gloss, often with a nuance of a healthy, attractive shine, especially on hair, skin, or fruit.
彼女の髪には自然な艶がある。
Her hair has a natural luster.
Means radiance or brilliance, but can be used for luster in a more poetic or intense sense.
真珠の輝きは上品だ。
The luster of pearls is elegant.
Describing the specific shine of minerals, pearls, or gemstones.
Used in mineralogy for luster types (e.g., metallic luster = 金属光沢).
この鉱物は金属光沢を持つ。
This mineral has a metallic luster.
Specifically 'pearly luster'.
貝殻の内側は真珠光沢がある。
The inside of the shell has a pearly luster.
Describing a metaphorical shine, such as fame, excellence, or attractiveness.
Refers to brilliance or glory, often used figuratively for outstanding achievements or beauty.
彼の業績は今も光彩を放っている。
His achievements still retain their luster.
Can be used figuratively for the luster of a person's talent or a city's charm.
Literally 'to fade in color', but often used to mean 'to lose luster' figuratively.
光沢 is the general term for luster and can be used for any surface. 艶 often implies a healthy, attractive shine, especially on organic things like hair, skin, or fruit. 艶 is also used in phrases like 艶が出る (to become lustrous).
While 光沢を失う is correct for physical luster, figurative loss of appeal is often expressed with 色あせる (to fade) or 魅力がなくなる (to lose charm).
若さの輝きは永遠ではない。
The luster of youth is not eternal.
彼の名声も色あせてしまった。
His fame has lost its luster.