How to Say "Glow" in Japanese

光る

hikaru[çika̠ɾɯ̟]

The Japanese word for 'glow' is 光る (hikaru).

光る is a verb used to describe a color being bright or a thing having a bright color.

Meaning: of a colour: to be bright, of a thing: to have a bright colour (verb)

How do you pronounce it?

hikaru

The word 光る is the root of the name for the most famous electric mouse in the world, Pikachu, as ぴかぴか describes something sparklingly bright.
When describing a 'glowing' person's skin, Japanese speakers often use つや to describe a moist, healthy luster rather than 光る, which can imply a sweaty or oily shine.
In Japanese literature, a character's eyes might be described as 光る to indicate intense emotion or determination, not just physical brightness.

蛍光ペンは何で光るのですか？
Why do highlighter pens glow?
This sentence is useful for asking why the verb 光る is used in the context of highlighter pens.
Tatoeba #13873868 by octobaguette, translation #13873869 by octobaguette
夕日の輝きは美しいです。
The glow of the setting sun is beautiful.
彼女の笑顔は輝きを放っている。
Her smile is radiating a glow.
星が夜空に輝きます。
The stars glow in the night sky.
夜道を歩くと、街灯が光ります。
When walking on the night street, the streetlights glow.
花火が夜空に光っている。
The fireworks are glowing in the night sky.
キャンドルの明かりが小さな部屋に優しい光をもたらす。
The candlelight brings a gentle glow to the small room.
街の明かりが遠くで光る。
Machi no akari ga tooku de hikaru.
The city lights glow in the distance.
この絵の具は暗いところで光る。
Kono enogu wa kurai tokoro de hikaru.
This paint glows in dark places.
1 more sentence on Tatoeba

Kenta and Himari are looking at a decorative lamp.

健太 Kenta

このランプ、きれいに光るね。
kono ranpu, kirei ni hikaru ne.
This lamp glows beautifully, doesn't it?
陽葵 Himari

本当だね。色がとても鮮やかだよ。
hontou da ne. iro ga totemo azayaka da yo.
It really does. The color is very vivid.
健太 Kenta

どこで買ったの？
doko de katta no?
Where did you buy it?
陽葵 Himari

近くの雑貨屋で買ったよ。
chikaku no zakkaya de katta yo.
I bought it at a nearby variety store.

Sources

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