色(いろ)っぽい

いろっぽい
i-adjective
sexy, alluring, sensual
descriptive
Conjugation
AffirmativeNegative
Present色(いろ)っぽい色(いろ)っぽくない
Past色(いろ)っぽかった色(いろ)っぽくなかった
て form色(いろ)っぽくて色(いろ)っぽくなくて
Adverbial色(いろ)っぽく—
Conditional ば色(いろ)っぽければ色(いろ)っぽくなければ
Conditional たら色(いろ)っぽかったら色(いろ)っぽくなかったら
1. sexy, alluring, sensual
Describes someone or something that has a mature, sensual attractiveness. Implies an elegant, understated kind of sexiness rather than something vulgar. Can describe people, voices, expressions, and atmospheres.
She has a sensual voice.
That actress became more alluring as she aged.
着物(きもの)を着(き)た彼女(かのじょ)の後(うし)ろ姿(すがた)がとても色(いろ)っぽかった。
The view of her from behind in a kimono was very alluring.

Usage

Carries a positive, appreciative nuance of mature attractiveness. Unlike セクシー, which is a more direct loanword, 色(いろ)っぽい implies a subtler, more Japanese-aesthetic sense of allure. Often used to compliment older women and conveys elegance alongside sensuality.

Common patterns

  • Prenominal: 色(いろ)っぽい + noun (色(いろ)っぽい目(め)つき)
  • Adverbial: 色(いろ)っぽく
  • Negative: 色(いろ)っぽくない

Common collocations