Japanese word

艶

Pronunciation

Romajitsuya

Meaning

  • noungloss

Example

この絹の布には艶があります。ko no kinu no nuno ni wa tsuya ga a ri ma su

This silk cloth has a soft gloss.

Illustration for 艶 (gloss)

More examples

窓際の花びんは艶のない仕上がりです。mado giwa no ka bi n wa tsuya no na i shi a ga ri de su

The vase by the window has a matte finish.

Core concept

Refers to the soft, even shine that appears on a surface and makes it look polished.

Common phrases

  • 艶があるtsuya ga a ru

    have a luster

  • 艶を出すtsuya o da su

    bring out the luster

  • 艶を保つtsuya o tamo tsu

    maintain the luster

Similar words

光沢kōtaku: The quality of having a noticeable shine on a smooth surface.
照りteri: A reflected shine on a surface, often associated with food, paint, or other glossy materials.

Definition in Japanese

物の表面が滑らかに光を反射して生じる、落ち着いた光沢。mono no hyō men ga name ra ka ni hikari o han sha shi te shō ji ru o chi tsu i ta kō taku

Word origin

艶 (tsuya, "gloss") is a native Japanese noun whose written form uses the kanji 艶 for luster and beauty, while its more remote origin remains uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In English, gloss can mean either a surface shine or an explanatory note, making this Japanese sense a useful context distinction for advanced learners.

Other meanings

  • lusternoun
  • sheennoun

Opposites

  • くすみkusumidullnessnoun
  • 無光沢mukōtakumatte finishnoun

Related words

  • 艶やかadeyakalustrousna-adjective
  • 艶めくademekubecome lustrousverb

Word lists with this word