Translation guide
The English word 'beam' covers several distinct meanings: a structural beam, a ray of light, a broad smile, and a radio signal. This guide helps learners express each meaning naturally in Japanese.
A long, sturdy piece of wood, steel, or concrete used in buildings.
The standard word for a horizontal beam in architecture and construction.
この家の梁はとても太い。
The beams in this house are very thick.
Often used for larger structural beams, especially in bridges or frameworks.
The bridge's beams are damaged.
A line or shaft of light.
General term for a ray or beam of light.
A beam of light shone through the clouds.
Loanword from English, often used in technical or sci-fi contexts (laser beam, etc.).
Literary expression for a single beam or shaft of light.
A single beam of light pierced the darkness.
A wide, happy smile.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'a smile all over one's face', equivalent to 'beaming'.
She beamed with a broad smile.
Verb meaning 'to smile broadly/cheerfully', often used for a beaming expression.
The baby beamed at me.
Literally 'make one's face shine', used when someone's face lights up with joy.
He beamed with happiness.
To send out a signal or broadcast.
English 'beam' as a verb for smiling does not have a direct single-word Japanese equivalent. Use phrases like 満面の笑みを浮かべる or にっこり笑う instead of trying to translate 'beam' literally.
Emit a laser beam.