Translation guide
The English word "eclipse" refers to an astronomical event where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 食 (しょく), often combined with the specific type. This guide covers how to talk about solar and lunar eclipses, related verbs, and metaphorical uses.
To refer to an eclipse in general, or to ask/say that an eclipse is happening.
The general term for an eclipse. Often used in compounds like 日食 (solar eclipse) or 月食 (lunar eclipse).
今日は食が見られます。
You can see an eclipse today.
An older or more literary kanji for eclipse, sometimes used in traditional contexts. 食 is preferred in modern Japanese.
In old documents, it is written as '蝕'.
To talk specifically about an eclipse of the sun.
To talk specifically about an eclipse of the moon.
To describe one celestial body moving in front of another, or to block light.
A natural way to say that one object hides or covers another. Use the object doing the hiding as the subject.
When the moon hides the sun, it becomes a solar eclipse.
Literally 'to cross in front of'. Used for transits or eclipses.
Venus crossed in front of the sun.
To say that someone or something surpasses or outshines another.
Means 'to surpass' or 'to outdo'. Commonly used for achievements, records, or qualities.
His new record eclipsed the previous one.
Means 'to exceed' or 'to be greater than'. Often used for numbers, expectations, or performance.
Literally 'to make someone's shadow thin', meaning to overshadow or eclipse someone's presence or influence.
日食 (にっしょく) is a solar eclipse, while 月食 (げっしょく) is a lunar eclipse. The kanji 日 means 'sun' and 月 means 'moon'. Both use the same second character 食 (eclipse).
The loanword エクリプス exists but is rarely used in everyday Japanese. Stick with 食 (しょく) or the specific compounds.
A total solar eclipse. 皆既 means 'total' in astronomical contexts.
A total solar eclipse is a very rare phenomenon.
An annular solar eclipse, where a ring of the sun is visible.
During an annular solar eclipse, the sun looks like a ring.
A total lunar eclipse.
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon looks red.
Sales greatly eclipsed expectations.
The rookie's success eclipsed the veteran's presence.