Japanese word

ナウ

Pronunciation

Romajinau

Meaning

  • na-adjectivetrendy

Example

この店はナウな雰囲気です。ko no mise wa na u na fun i ki de su

This shop has a trendy atmosphere.

Illustration for ナウ (trendy)

More examples

この店は料理だけでなく、ナウな内装でも人気があります。ko no mise wa ryō ri da ke de na ku na u na nai sō de mo nin ki ga a ri ma su

This restaurant is popular not only for its food but also for its trendy interior.

Core concept

Describes something that feels current because it reflects the style and tastes of the present time.

Common phrases

  • ナウな服na u na fuku

    trendy clothes

  • ナウな店na u na mise

    a trendy shop

  • ナウな音楽na u na on gaku

    trendy music

Similar words

トレンディーtorendī: Describes something that follows a currently popular fashion or style.
今風imakaze: Describes something styled in a way that matches current tastes.
モダンmodan: Describes a modern style, often with simple or contemporary design.

Definition in Japanese

今風で、流行を取り入れたしゃれたさま。ima fū de ryū kō o to ri i re ta sha re ta sa ma

Word origin

ナウ (nau, "now") comes from the English word now and developed a Japanese colloquial sense of being current and fashionable.

Usage tips

  • English now is normally an adverb, whereas Japanese ナウ (nau) can describe something fashionable, especially in the phrase ナウな (nauna).

Other meanings

  • nowadverb

Opposites

  • 時代遅れjidaiokureold-fashionedna-adjective

Related words

  • ナウさnausatrendinessnoun

Word lists with this word