華美・花美|かびkabi[1]atamadaka (head-high)
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Which spelling to use
華美華美（かび） is the more common written form and the recommended choice for beginners; it is written entirely in kanji.
花美花美（かび） is a less common written form of the same word; recognize it when encountered, but choose 華美（かび） for your own writing.
Definitions
- noun, na-adjectivesplendor; splendour; gorgeousness; pomp; magnificence
- noun, na-adjectiveshowiness; gaudiness; extravagance; luxury
Conjugation
| Plain form | 華美（かび） |
|---|---|
| Polite (desu) | 華美です（かびです） |
| Negative (dewa nai) | 華美ではない（かびではない） |
| polite (dewa arimasen) | 華美ではありません（かびではありません） |
| Past (datta) | 華美だった（かびだった） |
| Past negative (dewa nakatta) | 華美ではなかった（かびではなかった） |
| Te form (de) | 華美で（かびで） |
| Adverbial (ni) | 華美に（かびに） |
| Conditional (nara) | 華美なら（かびなら） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym華やかはなやかNeutralBright, gorgeous and lively with a positive feel; 「華美」 instead stresses excessive showiness and gaudy luxury, often with a critical tone.
- Synonym華麗かれいWrittenA written/formal word for splendid, gorgeous display, as in 「華麗な演技」; it carries praise and none of 「華美」's negative hint of extravagance.
- Synonym壮麗そうれいWrittenA written/formal word for grand, imposing magnificence, as in 「壮麗な宮殿」; it stresses scale and majesty rather than showy ornamentation.
- SynonymゴージャスNeutralLoanword for sumptuous, luxurious richness, common in conversation and mostly positive; it lacks 「華美」's critical nuance of gaudy excess.
- RelatedデラックスNeutralLoanword for deluxe, high-class quality, as in 「デラックスルーム」; typical of product advertising, not the critical 'gaudy' sense of 「華美」.
- RelatedきらびやかNeutralDescribes dazzling, glittering brilliance — sparkling with light; the focus is shine, while 「華美」 stresses excessive, often gaudy luxury.
- RelatedあでやかWrittenA written/formal word for glamorous, alluring beauty, mostly describing a woman's charm; 「華美」 covers showy extravagance of things, not allure.
- Antonym質素しっそNeutralAntonym meaning frugal and unadorned, having only the necessities; the direct opposite of 「華美」's luxurious, extravagant showiness.
- Antonym地味じみNeutralPlain and unobtrusive, as in 「地味な服」; the everyday opposite of showy brilliance, while 「華美」 is showiness taken to excess.
- Antonym簡素かんそWrittenA written/formal word for simple, pared-down plainness, as in 「簡素な式」; it stands opposite to 「華美」's ornate extravagance.
Use 「華美」 for excessive, often gaudy showiness or luxury, as in 「華美な服装を慎む」. For positive, praiseful gorgeousness pick 「華やか」 or 「華麗」; for grandeur 「壮麗」; for luxury 「ゴージャス」. For plainness choose 「質素」 or 「地味」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
