The present invention solves a problem of a trade-off between increases in paint discharge rate and maintenance of painting quality. A rotary atomizing electrostatic applicator includes a bell cup 10 whose back 10a is hit by atomization air SA-IN at an angle of 90 degrees or less; and first air holes 30 adapted to discharge the atomization air SA-IN directed at the back 10a of the bell cup, wherein the first air holes 30 are arranged at equal intervals on a circumference centered around a rotation axis of the bell cup 10, the first air holes 30 are oriented in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the bell cup 10; and the atomization air SA-IN discharged through the first air holes 30 is twisted in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the bell cup 10 at an angle of 50 degrees or more and less than 60 degrees.