飾る
かざる
kazaru
The word "kazaru" encompasses both the physical act of decorating and the psychological act of presenting oneself or one's words in an idealized way. In a physical sense, it refers to placing objects strategically to enhance beauty or significance, such as arranging flowers in a vase or hanging a painting.
In a metaphorical or social sense, "kazaru" refers to embellishing the truth or putting on a facade to impress others. While "decorating" a room is almost always positive, "decorating" one's personality or speech often carries a nuance of insincerity or pretension.
Crucially, the negative form "kazaranai" (not decorating/not embellishing) is frequently used as a high compliment in Japanese culture. To describe someone as "kazaranai hito" means they are natural, genuine, and unpretentious, valuing authenticity over social performance.
Meanings
To place something in a way that makes a place or person look more beautiful or attractive.
花を飾る。
Decorate with flowers.
To make something, such as speech or behavior, seem better or more attractive than it actually is.
言葉を飾る。
Embellish one's words.
Grammar & Conjugations
Godan Verb (五段動詞)
kazarimasu
kazarimashita
kazarimasen
kazarimasen deshita
Examples
リビングの壁にお気に入りの絵を飾る。
I will hang my favorite painting on the living room wall.
クリスマスツリーをきらきらのオーナメントで飾った。
I decorated the Christmas tree with sparkling ornaments.
卒業記念の写真を額に入れて棚に飾ろう。
Let's put the graduation commemorative photo in a frame and display it on the shelf.
オフィスの机の上に小さな多肉植物を飾ることにした。
I decided to place a small succulent plant on my office desk.
旅先で買ったお土産を家のあちこちに飾ってある。
I have souvenirs bought during my trip displayed all over the house.
Onomatopoeia & Mimetic Words
きらきら
Sparkling or glittering; used to describe the visual effect of decorations.
部屋をきらきらしたライトで飾りました。
I decorated the room with sparkling lights.
さりげなく
Casually or subtly; used when decorating in a way that doesn't look forced.
棚にさりげなく小さな置物を飾る。
Subtly place a small ornament on the shelf.
わざとらしく
Affectedly or unnaturally; used when embellishing words or behavior in an obvious, fake way.
彼はわざとらしく言葉を飾って、自分を良く見せようとした。
He affectedly embellished his words to try to make himself look better.
Compound Verbs
飾り付ける
To decorate a place or object elaborately.
文化祭のために、クラスの出し物を色とりどりのリボンで飾り付ける。
Decorate the class exhibit with colorful ribbons for the school festival.
飾り立てる
To over-decorate or to embellish excessively (often to the point of being unnatural).
飾り付ける
To decorate a place or object elaborately.
文化祭のために、クラスの出し物を色とりどりのリボンで飾り付ける。
Decorate the class exhibit with colorful ribbons for the school festival.