艶(つや)

つや
noun
gloss, luster, sheen
appearance
1. gloss, luster, sheen
A smooth, shiny appearance on a surface.
髪(かみ)に艶(つや)がある。
Her hair has a nice sheen.
この漆器(しっき)は艶(つや)が美(うつく)しい。
This lacquerware has a beautiful luster.
彼女(かのじょ)の肌(はだ)は艶(つや)があって若(わか)く見(み)える。
Her skin has a glow that makes her look young.
2. charm, allure
An attractive, alluring quality, especially in appearance.
艶(つや)のある声(こえ)で歌(うた)う。
To sing with a rich, alluring voice.
着物(きもの)を着(き)た彼女(かのじょ)には何(なん)とも言(い)えない艶(つや)があった。
There was an indescribable allure about her in her kimono.
年(とし)を重(かさ)ねて艶(つや)やかさが増(ま)した女優(じょゆう)だ。
She is an actress whose allure has only grown with age.

艶(つや) describes a glossy, lustrous quality, often used for hair, skin, or polished surfaces.

Common expressions

Usage

Often used to describe healthy-looking hair and skin, suggesting vitality and good health.

Related Words

Synonym: 光沢(こうたく) (luster (formal))
Related: 艶(つや)やか (glossy (na-adjective))
Compare: 色気(いろけ) (sex appeal)
general
Added 2026.1.13 10:47 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
03500/03893_tsuya