How to Say "Matte" in Japanese

マット

matto[ma̠t̚to̞]

The Japanese word for 'matte' is マット (matto).

The term マット (matto) is used to describe surfaces or finishes that are not reflective of light.

Meaning: not reflective of light (adj)

How do you pronounce it?

matto

If you were looking for a 'matte' finish on a car, you might use the word 艶消し (tsuyakeshi), which is a native Japanese term that literally means 'gloss extinguisher'.
While マット describes a finish, it is also the word for a gym or yoga 'mat'. This means you might hear someone describe a 'matte' lipstick and a wrestling 'mat' using the exact same word.
In the world of Japanese cosmetics, マット is often contrasted with ツヤ (tsuya), which refers to a glossy or 'dewy' glow. The preference between マット and ツヤ often reflects different beauty standards for skin and lips.

お待ちください。
Please wait.
待って。
Wait a moment.
マットな質感のリップです。
Matto na shitsukan no rippu desu.
It is a matte texture lipstick.
このスマホケースはマットです。
Kono sumaho keesu wa matto desu.
This smartphone case is matte.
マットな色のペンをください。
Matto na iro no pen o kudasai.
Please give me a matte colored pen.

Hiyori and Kenta are shopping for cosmetics.

陽葵 Himari

健太、このマットな口紅はどうかな？
Kenta, kono matto na kuchibeni wa dou kana?
Kenta, what do you think of this matte lipstick?
健太 Kenta

いいと思うよ。落ち着いた色だね。
ii to omou yo. ochitsuita iro da ne.
I think it's good. It's a calm color.
陽葵 Himari

テカテカしていないから好きだな。
tekateka shite inai kara suki da na.
I like it because it's not shiny.
健太 Kenta

陽葵に似合いそうだね。
Hiyori ni niaisou da ne.
It looks like it would suit you, Hiyori.

Sources

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