光線
kōsen[ko̞ːsẽ̞ɴ]
The English word 'ray' is translated into Japanese as 光線 (kōsen).
光線 is used to describe a beam of light or radiation. It is also used in technical terms for types of radiation, such as X線 (X-ray).
Meaning: beam of light or radiation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the kanji for 'light' 光 (kō) and the kanji for 'line' 線 (sen).
Which one should you use?
While 光 (hikari) refers to light in a general sense, 光線 specifically refers to a directional beam or ray of light.
How do you pronounce it?
kōsen
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, the famous 'Kamehameha' attack from Dragon Ball is often described using the word 光線 to explain the beam of energy being fired.
- The kanji 線 (sen) is used not only for 'line' or 'ray' but also to refer to railway lines, such as the Yamanote 線.
- The character 光 (kō) is common in Japanese names, where it often symbolizes brilliance, hope or a bright future.
Examples in context
- レイさん、こんにちは！お元気ですか？Hello, Ray! How are you doing?
- レイちゃんと一緒にコーヒーを飲みたい。I want to have coffee with Ray.
- 鋭い光線が目に刺さった。surui kousen ga me ni sasatta.A sharp ray of light pierced my eyes.
- レーザー光線が部屋を横切った。reezaa kousen ga heya o yokogitta.A laser beam crossed the room.
- 宇宙からの光線が観測された。uchuu kara no kousen ga kansoku sareta.A ray from space was observed.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are looking at a science experiment in a museum.
- 陽葵 Himariこの光線はとても不思議だね。kono kousen wa totemo fushigi da ne.This beam of light is very mysterious, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。陽葵、よく見て。hontou da. Himari, yoku mite.You're right. Look closely, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、あそこから光が出ているよ。Hinata, asoko kara hikari ga dete iru yo.Hinata, light is coming out from over there.
- 陽太 Yotaかっこいい光線だね。kakkoii kousen da ne.It's a cool beam of light.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ray” translations and entries 光線, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
