Translation guide
The English verb 'brighten' can mean to become brighter in light, to become more cheerful, or to make something brighter or more cheerful. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
空が明るくなった。
The sky brightened.
彼女の顔が明るくなった。
Her face brightened.
To describe a place, sky, or room becoming lighter or more illuminated.
The most common and neutral way to say something becomes brighter in terms of light. It is an intransitive verb phrase.
空が明るくなってきた。
The sky is brightening up.
部屋が急に明るくなった。
The room suddenly brightened.
Specifically used when the weather clears up and the sky becomes brighter. Often used for the sky or weather.
午後には晴れるでしょう。
It will brighten up in the afternoon.
Emphasizes a sudden or vivid brightening, often used for a room or expression.
電気をつけたら部屋がぱっと明るくなった。
The room brightened instantly when I turned on the light.
To describe a person's face, mood, or atmosphere becoming happier or more lively.
The same phrase as for light, but used metaphorically for mood or expression. Very common.
彼女の顔が明るくなった。
Her face brightened.
その知らせを聞いて、彼の表情が明るくなった。
His expression brightened when he heard the news.
Means to become cheerful or energetic, often after feeling down. Focuses on recovery of spirits.
友達と話したら元気になった。
I brightened up after talking with a friend.
Literally 'expression suddenly shines', used for a face lighting up with joy. More vivid and literary.
プレゼントを見て、彼女の表情がぱっと輝いた。
Her face brightened when she saw the present.
To cause something to become brighter in light or color, such as a room, screen, or paint.
Transitive version of 明るくなる. Used for making a place or light brighter.
照明を明るくしてください。
Please brighten the lighting.
壁の色を白く塗って部屋を明るくした。
We brightened the room by painting the walls white.
Means to make something shine or glow. Often used for making eyes or a surface brighter.
彼女の笑顔が部屋を輝かせた。
Her smile brightened the room.
Specifically for making colors more vivid or bright. Used for images, designs, etc.
写真の色を鮮やかにする。
Brighten the colors of the photo.
To cause a person or atmosphere to become more cheerful or lively.
Transitive version for mood or atmosphere. Can be used for a person's spirits or a party.
彼の冗談が場を明るくした。
His joke brightened the mood.
音楽がパーティーを明るくした。
The music brightened the party.
To enliven or invigorate an atmosphere or group. More about adding energy.
明るくなる is a general term for becoming bright (light or mood). 晴れる is specifically for the weather clearing up and becoming sunny. Use 晴れる only for sky/weather.
天気が晴れた。
The weather brightened (cleared up).
English 'brighten' is a verb, but Japanese 明るい is an adjective. You must use 明るくなる (become bright) or 明るくする (make bright). Saying 明るいする is incorrect.
彼女が入ってくると、部屋が明るくなった。
The room brightened when she entered.
笑顔で彼の顔が明るくなった。
A smile brightened his face.
画面を明るくしてもらえますか？
Could you brighten the screen?
Means to cheer someone up or lift their spirits. Focuses on emotional encouragement.
友達を元気づけるために花を買った。
I bought flowers to brighten my friend's day.
新しいメンバーがチームを活気づけた。
The new member brightened up the team.