Translation guide
How to express 'cast a shadow' in Japanese, covering literal shadows, figurative influence, and emotional gloom.
Describing when an object or person blocks light and creates a shadow on a surface.
The most direct and common way to say 'cast a shadow'. Used for both literal and figurative shadows.
木が地面に長い影を落としている。
The tree is casting a long shadow on the ground.
建物が公園に影を落としている。
The building casts a shadow over the park.
Literally 'a shadow forms'. Often used when the shadow itself is the subject, or when describing the presence of a shadow.
この時間は窓から影ができる。
At this time, a shadow is cast from the window.
A more literary or poetic way to say 'cast a shadow', emphasizing the action of throwing a shadow.
夕日が山々に長い影を投げかけていた。
The setting sun cast long shadows over the mountains.
Expressing that something spoils a situation, causes worry, or creates a dark mood.
The same phrase as the literal meaning, but used figuratively. Very common for describing a pall or gloom over something.
その事件は地域全体に暗い影を落とした。
The incident cast a dark shadow over the entire community.
Literally 'to cast dark clouds'. A metaphorical expression for casting a shadow over a situation, often implying uncertainty or trouble.
そのスキャンダルは政権に暗雲を投げかけた。
The scandal cast a shadow over the administration.
Means 'to show signs of a shadow' or 'to become clouded'. Used when a previously bright situation starts to be overshadowed.
経済成長に陰りを見せ始めた。
Economic growth has begun to cast a shadow.
When one thing overshadows another, making it seem less impressive or important.
Literally 'to make a shadow thin'. Means to overshadow or make something seem less prominent. Often used in the passive form 影が薄くなる.
彼の成功はチームメイトの活躍の影を薄くした。
His success cast a shadow over his teammates' achievements.
Means 'to become hazy' or 'to be overshadowed'. Used when something pales in comparison to something else.
影を落とす focuses on the action of casting a shadow (transitive), while 影ができる describes the state of a shadow being present (intransitive). Use 影を落とす when you want to emphasize what is causing the shadow.
雲が影を落としている。
The clouds are casting a shadow.
地面に影ができている。
There is a shadow on the ground.
Do not use verbs like 投げる (throw) or キャストする for 'cast' in this context. The natural collocation is 影を落とす.
His death has cast a deep shadow over the family.
彼女の才能の前では他の選手は霞んで見える。
Other players are cast in the shadow of her talent.