派手な（はでな、hadena）
- flashy/showy

The Japanese word 派手な (pronounced はでな, "hadena") is an adjective meaning "showy," "flashy," "gaudy," "loud," or "extravagant." It describes something that is visually striking, often in a way that is considered attention-grabbing or excessive. It suggests a strong visual presence, sometimes to the point of being overwhelming or lacking in subtlety. The word can apply to a variety of things, including clothing, makeup, decorations, behavior, or even personalities. It emphasizes a strong and sometimes excessive display of something.

⚫︎ 派手な 服を着ている。 Translation: They are wearing flashy clothes. ⚫︎ 彼女はいつも派手な メイクをする。 Translation: She always wears gaudy makeup. ⚫︎ そのパーティーはとても派手な 飾り付けだった。 Translation: The party had extravagant decorations.

This word is used to describe something that visually stands out, often in a negative context, but not always. When describing clothing or accessories, it refers to items that are brightly colored, have bold patterns, or are otherwise attention-grabbing. It can also describe someone's personality or behavior, indicating that they are outgoing, dramatic, or attention-seeking. The degree to which 派手な is perceived as positive or negative depends heavily on context and cultural norms. Sometimes, it is simply a descriptive term.

The word 派手な is typically written in hiragana as はでな. The kanji for 派手 is sometimes used. 派手 can be used alone as a noun, and it would then mean "flashiness" or "showiness." The okurigana ("na") is essential for the adjectival form 派手な.

⚫︎ けばけばしい (ke-ke-bashii): "gaudy," "flashy" ⚫︎ 華やかな (hanayakana): "gorgeous," "splendid" (can be positive) ⚫︎ 目立つ (medatsu): "conspicuous," "eye-catching" ⚫︎ どぎつい (dogitsui): "garish," "loud"

⚫︎ 地味な (jimina): "plain," "simple," "understated" ⚫︎ 質素な (shisouna): "modest," "frugal" ⚫︎ 控えめな (hikaemena): "moderate," "reserved"

彼女は派手なイヤリングをしていて、とても目を引いた。 ・Translation: She was wearing flashy earrings, and they really caught the eye. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 派手な to describe earrings that are visually striking.

彼は派手な車に乗っている。 ・Translation: He drives a gaudy car. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the appearance of a car using 派手な.

The etymology of 派手 is not definitively known, but it is believed to be a combination of two elements. The first part, 派 (ha), means "to branch out" or "to separate." The second part, 手 (te), means "hand." Therefore, 派手 suggests something that "extends out" or "branches out" visually, thus creating the impression of being showy or flashy. The addition of "na" makes it an adjective.