How to say "dazzling" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 眩しいまぶしいi-adjectiveThe basic word for light so bright it is hard to look at directly — sunlight, headlights, a camera flash. Also used figuratively of a radiant smile or a dazzling performance.
- na-adjectiveCovers 'dazzling' in the sense of glittering, showy splendor: a glittering kimono, sparkling jewelry, a lavishly decorated room. It can shade into flashiness or gaudiness, and is usually written in kana.
- 絢爛けんらんtaru-adjective, adverb (with と)Covers 'dazzling' as brilliant, ornate splendor — rich color and lavish decoration rather than painful brightness. Typical of gorgeously decorated stages, costumes, or interiors.
- adverb (with と), suru verbA mimetic word for light that flickers, twinkles, or glimmers on and off, like a candle flame. It fits 'dazzling' only in that intermittent sense; for blinding brightness it is seldom the word you want.
Use 「眩しい」 for light too bright to look at, 「きらびやか」 for glittering, showy splendor, 絢爛 for ornate, brilliant splendor, and 「ちらちら」 only for twinkling or flickering light.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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