Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Gorgeous" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "gorgeous", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
きらびやか
きらびやか (kirabiyaka)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
絢爛
けんらん (kenran)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "gorgeous" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between きらびやか and 絢爛.
In Japanese, きらびやか (きらびやか (kirabiyaka)) is typically associated with "gorgeous, dazzling, splendid, glittering" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something strikingly beautiful, brilliant, and magnificent, often with a sense of luxury or grandeur..
On the other hand, 絢爛 (けんらん (kenran)) maps to "gorgeous, brilliant, dazzling, splendor" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes something extremely beautiful, grand, and often colorful, with a sense of extravagance or brilliance.. A literal translation of "gorgeous" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "きらびやか"
舞踏会の会場は、きらびやかな装飾で彩られていた。
The ballroom was adorned with dazzling decorations.
Bilingual Context for "絢爛"
祭りの夜空には、絢爛な花火が打ち上げられた。
Gorgeous fireworks were launched into the night sky of the festival.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "舞踏会の会場は、 ＿＿＿ な装飾で彩られていた。" (Meaning: "The ballroom was adorned with dazzling decorations.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "きらびやか" fits here because it means "gorgeous, dazzling, splendid, glittering" in the context of: "The ballroom was adorned with dazzling decorations.". "絢爛" represents "gorgeous, brilliant, dazzling, splendor".