Translation guide
The English word "brilliance" can refer to intense brightness, exceptional intelligence, or outstanding skill. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing light that is very bright, shining strongly, or dazzling.
General term for radiance, brilliance, or glitter. Can be used for literal light or metaphorical brilliance (e.g., of a smile).
The brilliance of the sun is dazzling.
Her smile has a special brilliance.
Literary or formal term for brilliant light, often used in written descriptions.
Sparkling or twinkling brilliance, often for stars, jewels, or eyes.
Dazzling brightness that makes you squint; often for sunlight or headlights.
The brilliance of the snow hurts my eyes.
Referring to outstanding intellectual ability or creative genius.
General term for talent or gift. Often used with adjectives like 素晴らしい (wonderful) or 非凡な (extraordinary).
He displayed brilliance in mathematics.
Genius; used for someone with extraordinary intellectual or creative brilliance.
Literally 'goodness of head', meaning intelligence or smartness. Casual way to refer to intellectual brilliance.
I'm amazed by his brilliance.
Excellence or superiority, often used in academic or professional contexts.
Describing a performance, work, or action that is exceptionally skillful or impressive.
Wonderfulness, splendor; a common way to express brilliance in a general sense of excellence.
I was moved by the brilliance of his performance.
Admirable skill or splendidness, often for a performance or achievement.
Exquisite skill or clever trick, often used in sports or arts.
The English word 'brilliance' covers many concepts. In Japanese, you must choose the word that matches the specific meaning: brightness, intelligence, or skill. Using 輝き for a person's intelligence would sound strange.
輝き is the most versatile for brightness. 光輝 is more formal and literary. 煌めき implies sparkling or twinkling, like stars or jewels.
The brilliance of the diamond was breathtaking.
Her brilliance in mathematics is well known.
I was captivated by the brilliance of the diamond.
夜空の星の煌めきが美しい。
The brilliance of the stars in the night sky is beautiful.
アインシュタインは天才だった。
Einstein was a man of brilliance.
The brilliance of her research is internationally recognized.
I gasped at the brilliance of the craftsman's skill.
The audience applauded the brilliance of his technique.