豪華
gōka[ɡo̞ːka̠]
The English word 'gorgeous' can be translated into Japanese as 豪華 (gōka) or 華麗 (karei).
Meaning: very beautiful (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 豪華 | gōka | [ɡo̞ːka̠] (narrow) |
| 華麗 | karei | [ka̠ɾe̞ː] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the word used for 'gorgeous' depends on what you are describing. While English speakers use 'gorgeous' for both people and things, 豪華 is primarily used for inanimate objects, settings or meals rather than human physical beauty.
Which one should you use?
豪華 (gōka) is used when describing something gorgeous in a way that implies luxury, wealth or abundance, such as a feast or a hotel. In contrast, 華麗 (karei) is used when describing something gorgeous in a way that implies elegance, splendor or a brilliant performance or movement.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use these words as adjectives directly before a noun, you must add the particle な. This results in the forms 豪華な (gōka na) and 華麗な (karei na).
How do you pronounce it?
gōka
Did you know?
- While an English speaker might call a person 'gorgeous', using 豪華 to describe a woman would sound like you are calling her a piece of expensive furniture or a lavish banquet.
- The character 華 in 豪華 and 華麗 means 'flower' or 'petal'. This reveals a cultural link between the idea of being 'gorgeous' and the blossoming of a flower.
- The nuance of 華麗 is often used in sports or art to describe a 'gorgeous' technique that is both beautiful and highly skilled.
Examples in context
- 豪華ですね。It's gorgeous.This sentence shows how to use 豪華.Tatoeba #10585415 by small_snow, translation #1894586 by CK
- すごく華麗だったわ。She was absolutely gorgeous.This sentence shows how to use 華麗.Tatoeba #11136714 by small_snow, translation #6997245 by Hybrid
- こりゃまた、豪華な花だこと！What a gorgeous flower!Tatoeba #10657878 by small_snow, translation #2137314 by AlanF_US
- Anata wa kirei desu (あなたは綺麗です)You are gorgeous.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are looking at a hotel lobby.
- 美咲 Misakiこのホテル、すごく豪華ですね。Kono hoteru, sugoku gōka desu ne.This hotel is very gorgeous, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。びっくりするくらいだね。Hontō da. Bikkuri suru kurai da ne.You're right. It's surprisingly lavish.
- 美咲 Misaki豪華なシャンデリアが素敵です。Gōka na shanderia ga suteki desu.The gorgeous chandelier is lovely.
- 健太 Kentaここならいい記念日になりそうだ。Koko nara ii kinenbi ni nari sō da.It looks like this place would make a great anniversary.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gorgeous” translations and entries 豪華, 華麗, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
