着飾る

きかざる

to dress up

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"着飾る" (きかざる) means "to dress up" or "to adorn oneself". It often implies putting on fancy or stylish clothes and accessories to look attractive or impressive, especially for special occasions.

Common Contexts

This verb is frequently used when talking about dressing up for parties, events, or dates. It can also express the idea of making an effort to look good or elegant.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 着飾って出かける: to dress up and go out
  • 着飾ることよりも: more than dressing up (used to contrast with other values)
  • いつも着飾っている: always dressed up (habitual action)

Nuances and Tips

"着飾る" often carries a nuance of deliberate effort to look stylish or glamorous. It is more formal and literary than casual expressions like "おしゃれする". Be careful not to confuse it with simply wearing clothes; it emphasizes the act of adorning or decorating oneself.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes use "着飾る" for everyday casual dressing, but it is best reserved for occasions where dressing up is intentional and noticeable.

Example Sentences

かのじょはぱーてぃーのためにきかざってでかけた。

She dressed up to go to the party.

きかざることよりも、じぶんらしさをたいせつにしたい。

I want to value being myself more than dressing up.

かれはいつもきかざっているが、きょうはかじゅあるなふくそうだ。

He is always dressed up, but today he is in casual clothes.