ガーリー
gārī
The English word "girly" is translated into Japanese as ガーリー (gārī).
ガーリー is a borrowing from English used to describe something with a feminine or cute style.
Meaning: characteristic of a stereotypical girl (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
gārī
Did you know?
- The concept of 'girly' style is central to the 量産型 (ryousangata) or 'mass-produced type' fashion, where girls dress in a highly specific, coordinated 'girly' uniform to fit in with a peer group.
- The use of 'girly' in Japanese fashion can sometimes be a way to distance a style from 'kawaii' (cute), moving from 'childish' to 'adult-feminine'.
- Because ガーリー is written in Katakana, it is often perceived by Japanese readers as having a more modern, 'chic', or 'foreign' flair than traditional Japanese words for femininity.
Examples in context
- そのドレスはとても女性らしいですね。That dress is very girly, isn't it?
- お花のデザインが女性的な感じがします。The flower design gives it a girly feeling.
- キャンディの色使いがすごく女子力高いね！The color scheme of the candy is so girly!
Example conversation
Daisho and Misaki are shopping for clothes.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのスカートはどうかな？Kono sukāto wa dō kana?What do you think of this skirt?
- 美咲 Misakiすごくガーリーで可愛いよ！Sugoku gārī de kawaii yo!It's very girly and cute!
- 大翔 Hiroto僕には似合わないかな。Boku ni wa niawanai kana.I wonder if it doesn't suit me.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、大翔にはガーリーすぎるね。Un, Daishō ni wa gārī sugiru ne.Yeah, it's too girly for you, Daisho.
