光
Second grade kyōiku kanji[çi̥ka̠ɾʲi]
The phrase "the light" in Japanese is translated as 光 (Second grade kyōiku kanji).
光 refers to the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. It can be used to describe physical light or to represent metaphorical light, such as a bright future or hope.
Which one should you use?
While 光 is the standard term for light, the borrowed word ライト is used in informal conversations specifically to refer to light sources like spotlights or headlights.
How do you pronounce it?
Second grade kyōiku kanji
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word for the 'light' that filters through the leaves of trees, called 木漏れ日.
- The word 光 can be used in the expression 光栄 to mean 'honor', literally suggesting a 'shining glory'.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'light' can be used to describe a 'light' version of a product, such as a low-calorie drink, using the katakana word ライト.
Examples in context
- 光に目を奪われないで。Don't let the light catch your eye!This sentence is useful for using 光 to talk about not letting light catch your eye.Tatoeba #6561520 by MatiosDD3, translation #6567334 by rchase
- 月から届く光は弱々しい。The light from the moon is weak.This sentence is useful for using 光 to describe the light from the moon.Tatoeba #3468819 by arnab, translation #238813 by Dejo
- 努力すれば必ず光は見えてくるものだよ。If you put in the effort, you will certainly see the light.This sentence is useful for using 光 in a metaphorical sense regarding seeing the light through effort.Tatoeba #11256106 by sh5555, translation #12008867 by Winter
- 日本の夜は明かりが美しいです。The lights in Japan at night are beautiful.
- 明かりを消してください。Please turn off the light.
- ライトを点けて、ステージを明るくしましょう！Let's turn on the spotlight and brighten up the stage!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a beautiful sunset by the sea.
- 健太 Kenta海の上の光がとても綺麗だね。Umi no ue no hikari ga totemo kirei dane.The light on the sea is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当。キラキラしていて素敵だよ。Hontou. Kirakira shite ite suteki dayo.It really is. It's sparkling and lovely.
- 健太 Kentaもっと近くで見たいな。Motto chikaku de mitai na.I want to see it more closely.
- 結衣 Yuiもう少しで日が沈んじゃうよ。Mou sukoshi de hi ga shizunjau yo.The sun is about to set.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 光, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
