光
hikarikanji, noun
In kanji, "light" as brightness is 光 (hikari). A lamp or light you switch on is 明かり (akari), and "light" as in not heavy is 軽い (karui).
Meaning: light, brightness (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 光 | hikari | kanji, noun |
| 明かり | akari | kanji, lamp light |
| 軽い | karui | kanji, not heavy |
To say "turn on the light", people say 電気をつける (denki o tsukeru), literally "attach electricity". The word 電気 (denki) is used for room lights in everyday talk.
Which one should you use?
English "light" covers three ideas and Japanese uses separate words. 光 (hikari) is the shine of the sun or a beam. 明かり (akari) is the light in a room. 軽い (karui) describes weight, as in a light bag.
Did you know?
- The kanji 光 (hikari) is also used in the name of the Hikari bullet train, whose name means "light".
Examples in context
- 窓から光が入ります。Mado kara hikari ga hairimasu.Light comes in from the window.
- 部屋の明かりを消して。Heya no akari o keshite.Turn off the light in the room.
- このかばんは軽いです。Kono kaban wa karui desu.This bag is light.
Example conversation
Rina and her brother Daiki are in a dark room at night.
- Rina明かりをつけて。Akari o tsukete.Turn on the light.
- Daikiちょっと待って。Chotto matte.Wait a moment.
- Rina光が見えたよ。Hikari ga mieta yo.I saw a light.
