Japanese word

着飾る

Pronunciation

Romajikikazaru

Meaning

  • verbdress up

Example

姉は特別な日に着飾ります。ane wa toku betsu na hi ni ki kaza ri ma su

My older sister dresses up on special days.

Illustration for 着飾る (dress up)

More examples

舞台に立つ前に、出演者たちは華やかに着飾りました。bu tai ni ta tsu mae ni shutsu en sha ta chi wa hana ya ka ni ki kaza ri ma shi ta

Before going on stage, the performers dressed up glamorously.

Core concept

Describes deliberately arranging one's clothing and appearance to look more elegant or noticeable.

Common phrases

  • 華やかに着飾るhana ya ka ni ki kaza ru

    dress up glamorously

  • 美しく着飾るutsuku shi ku ki kaza ru

    dress beautifully

Similar words

めかすmekasu: To make one's appearance look smart or stylish through clothing and grooming.
盛装するseisōsuru: To dress in especially fine clothes for a formal or important occasion.

Definition in Japanese

特別な日や人前に出る場面などに、服装や身なりを華やかに整える。toku betsu na hi ya hito mae ni de ru ba men na do ni fuku sō ya mi na ri o hana ya ka ni totono e ru

Word origin

The compound verb 着飾る (kikazaru) combines the stem 着 (ki, "wear") from 着る (kiru, "to wear") with 飾る (kazaru, "decorate").

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 着飾る (kikazaru) usually describes making one's appearance elegant or showy, while English dress up can also mean wearing a costume for play or disguise.

Opposites

  • 着崩すkikuzusudress downverb

Related words

  • 着飾り方kikazarikataway of dressing upnoun

Word lists with this word