Translation guide
A light source placed behind a subject, often used in photography, displays, or to create silhouette effects. This guide covers how to express the concept of backlighting in Japanese, from technical terms to everyday descriptions.
Referring to a light placed behind a subject for visual effect, such as creating a silhouette or rim light.
The most common term for backlight in photography and everyday situations. It literally means 'reverse light' and is used when light comes from behind the subject.
逆光で写真を撮ると、被写体が暗くなることがあります。
When you take a photo in backlight, the subject can become dark.
A loanword from English, often used in technical contexts like photography, videography, or display technology. Less common in casual conversation than 逆光.
バックライトを使って、被写体の輪郭を強調しました。
I used a backlight to emphasize the outline of the subject.
Literally 'halo' or 'aura', often used metaphorically for a backlight that creates a divine or dramatic effect. Not a technical term for backlight.
後光が差しているような写真ですね。
It's a photo that looks like a halo is shining.
The light source behind an LCD screen or display panel that illuminates it.
The standard term for the backlight of a display, such as on a phone, TV, or monitor.
このモニターはバックライトが明るすぎます。
This monitor's backlight is too bright.
Specifically refers to the backlight of an LCD screen. More precise in technical contexts.
液晶バックライトの寿命は約5万時間です。
The lifespan of an LCD backlight is about 50,000 hours.
Describing something that is illuminated from behind, often creating a silhouette.
A natural phrase meaning 'to be lit from behind'. Used for subjects in backlit conditions.
木々が逆光で照らされて、美しいシルエットになっています。
The trees are backlit, creating a beautiful silhouette.
A more literal and descriptive way to say 'light hits from behind'. Common in everyday speech.
後ろから光が当たっているので、顔がよく見えません。
Since the light is hitting from behind, I can't see the face well.
Referring to a built-in light behind keys or buttons for visibility in the dark.
Used for backlit keyboards, car dashboards, etc. Often combined with the object.
このキーボードはバックライト付きです。
This keyboard has a backlight.
Means 'backlight function', used when specifying the feature.
バックライト機能をオンにすると、暗い場所でも文字が見えます。
If you turn on the backlight function, you can see the letters even in dark places.
逆光 (gyakkou) is the native Japanese word and is used broadly for any backlighting situation, especially in photography and daily life. バックライト (bakkuraito) is a loanword and is more common in technical fields like displays, electronics, and professional lighting. For screen backlights, always use バックライト.
逆光で顔が暗くなった。
My face became dark because of the backlight.
スマホのバックライトが壊れた。
The smartphone's backlight broke.