Japanese word

光沢

Pronunciation

Romajikōtaku

Meaning

  • noungloss

Example

この机には光沢があります。ko no tsukue ni wa kō taku ga a ri ma su

This table has a glossy finish.

Illustration for 光沢 (gloss)

More examples

柔らかい布で家具の光沢を保ちます。yawa ra ka i nuno de ka gu no kō taku o tamo chi ma su

We maintain the furniture's glossy finish with a soft cloth.

Core concept

Refers to the visible shine that makes a surface look smooth, polished, or glossy.

Common phrases

  • 光沢があるkō taku ga a ru

    have a glossy finish

  • 光沢を出すkō taku o da su

    bring out a shine

  • 光沢を保つkō taku o tamo tsu

    maintain a glossy finish

Similar words

艶tsuya: A smooth, even shine on a surface created by polishing or a surface treatment.
照りteri: A bright surface shine produced by moisture, oil, or heat.

Definition in Japanese

表面が光を反射して、つややかに見える状態。hyō men ga hikari o han sha shi te tsu ya ya ka ni mi e ru jō tai

Word origin

光沢 (kōtaku) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 光 (kō, "light") and 沢 (taku, "luster"), describing the sheen associated with reflected light.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese product descriptions, 光沢 (kōtaku) often identifies a reflective finish on paper, fabric, or paint.

Opposites

  • つや消しtsuyakeshimatte finishnoun

Related words

  • 光沢感kōtakukanglossinessnoun
  • 光沢度kōtakudogloss levelnoun

Word lists with this word