How to say "fascinating" in Japanese

• 面白いおもしろいJLPT N5approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers 'fascinating' in the sense of holding the interest: a book, film, idea, or conversation that enthralls you. When 'fascinating' simply means 'really interesting', this is the word you want.
  新聞しんぶんには何なんも面白おもしろいことは載のっていない。↗

  There is nothing interesting in the newspaper.
• 妖艶ようえんCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'fascinating' only in the sense of bewitching, voluptuous allure: seductive beauty that captivates, typically a woman's. It is not the word for intellectually fascinating books or ideas; the fascination here is sensual.
• 魅力的みりょくてきCommon
  na-adjectiveCovers 'fascinating' in the sense of attractive and appealing: a charming person, an appealing offer, or a plan that draws you in. The pull here is charm and appeal rather than absorbed interest.
  彼女かのじょは魅力的みりょくてきな人柄ひとがらである。↗

  She has a magnetic personality.

For 'fascinating' meaning grippingly interesting use 「面白い」; for people or things whose charm and appeal attract you use 魅力的; 妖艶 fits only bewitching, voluptuous, seductive allure.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 面白いおもしろいinteresting
• 妖艶ようえんfascinating
• 魅力的みりょくてきcharming
• 艶えんcharming
• 蠱惑的こわくてきfascinating
• 幻惑的げんわくてきfascinating
• 豊艶ほうえんvoluptuous
• 優艶ゆうえんcharming
• おもろいinteresting
• 魅惑的みわくてきcharming