Translation guide
Describes something smooth, soft, and lustrous like silk. Can refer to texture, appearance, or a refined quality.
Describing a surface or fabric that feels smooth, soft, and pleasant to the touch, like silk.
Literally 'like silk', this is the most direct and common way to describe a silky texture. It can be used for fabrics, hair, skin, etc.
このシーツは絹のような肌触りだ。
These sheets have a silky feel.
Means smooth, sleek, or velvety. Often used for skin, hair, or surfaces that are free of roughness. It implies a pleasant, refined smoothness.
彼女の肌は滑らかで絹のようだ。
Her skin is smooth and silky.
Loanword from English, used in product names or marketing, especially for cosmetics or fabrics. Not as common in everyday speech.
シルキーな質感のファンデーション。
A foundation with a silky texture.
Describing something that has a soft, glossy shine like silk fabric.
Means 'having luster' or 'glossy'. Used for hair, fabrics, or surfaces that reflect light softly.
彼女の髪は光沢があって絹のように見える。
Her hair is glossy and looks silky.
Describes a beautiful, lustrous sheen, often used for hair, skin, or fabrics. It carries a nuance of elegance.
艶やかな絹のドレス。
A silky dress with a beautiful sheen.
Describing a voice, speech, or behavior that is smooth, charming, and perhaps insincere.
When used for voice or speech, it means smooth, flowing, and pleasant to listen to. Can be neutral or positive.
彼は滑らかな口調で話した。
He spoke in a silky tone.
Literally 'sweet', but can describe a voice or words that are smooth and flattering, sometimes with a negative connotation of being overly ingratiating.
Can imply insincerity or manipulation depending on context.
彼の甘い言葉に騙された。
I was deceived by his silky words.
Describing a food or beverage that has a smooth, rich, velvety mouthfeel.
Commonly used for sake, coffee, or other drinks to mean mellow, smooth, and well-rounded. Also used for some foods.
このコーヒーはまろやかで口当たりが良い。
This coffee is silky and smooth on the palate.
Loanword meaning creamy, often used for desserts, soups, or sauces that are thick and smooth.
このスープはクリーミーで絹のようだ。
This soup is creamy and silky.