光沢

• Reading: こうたく
• Romaji: koutaku
• Kanji breakdown: 光 (kou) — light, shine; 沢 (taku) — lustre, brilliance
• Pronunciation: /koː.ta.kɯ/

Meaning

Lustre; gloss; sheen. A smooth, shiny quality on a surface.

A noun used to describe the shiny, polished appearance of materials such as metal, fabric, paper, or hair. Common in product descriptions and materials science. Key collocations include 光沢がある (koutaku ga aru, glossy/lustrous), 光沢紙 (koutakushi, glossy paper), and 光沢のある (koutaku no aru, having a sheen). The opposite quality would be つや消し (tsuyakeshi, matte finish).

Examples

1. このテーブルは美しい光沢がある。 This table has a beautiful luster.
2. 光沢のある素材はフォーマルな服に向いている。 Glossy materials are well-suited to formal clothing.
3. 髪に光沢を出すためにトリートメントを使った。 I used a treatment to add shine to my hair.

Usage Guide

Context: materials, fashion, product descriptions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 光 (kou, light/shine) + 沢 (taku, lustre/brilliance). Literally 'light and lustre' — the quality of reflecting light smoothly and brilliantly.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal