How to say "trendy" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- na-adjectiveThe everyday word for looking stylish or fashionable; use it when 'trendy' means a smart, chic appearance — a well-dressed person, a fashionable shop or interior. Usually written in kana.彼女はオシャレだ。↗She's fashionable.
- na-adjective, nounA loanword of the English word itself and the most direct match: clothes, styles or people that follow the latest trends. It is the straightforward choice when you simply want to say 'trendy'.
- na-adjectiveA casual, slangy borrowing of English 'now', meaning 'in' or 'of the moment'. For the ordinary sense of 'trendy' it is seldom the word you want; it really conveys 'in right now'.
- 今風いまふうno-adjective, na-adjectiveCovers 'trendy' in the sense of modern and up to date: something made or done in today's style. The emphasis falls on being current or contemporary rather than on looking chic.
- na-adjectiveA slangy loanword of English 'hip' — 'cool', 'with it'. As a way to say 'trendy' it is marginal, and learners will seldom want it for that sense.
Use 「おしゃれ」 for general stylishness, 「トレンディー」 as the direct loanword for trend-following fashion, 今風 for a modern, up-to-date look, and treat 「ナウ」 and 「ヒップ」 as slangy borrowings for 'in' and 'hip' that are seldom the right choice for 'trendy'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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