Translation guide
Describes a sudden, brief burst of light from lightning. Japanese has several words for this, ranging from the general flash to more poetic or intense expressions. The most common and versatile word is 稲光 (inabikari).
To refer to a flash of lightning in a neutral, everyday context.
The most common and standard word for a flash of lightning. It literally means 'rice plant light', as lightning was thought to help rice grow. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
遠くで稲光が光った。
A flash of lightning lit up the distance.
稲光が一瞬、部屋を照らした。
A flash of lightning momentarily lit up the room.
A more technical or literary term for a flash of lightning. Often used in written descriptions or formal contexts.
雷光が夜空を裂いた。
A flash of lightning tore through the night sky.
Literally 'rice plant wife', this word can refer to a lightning bolt or flash, but often emphasizes the zigzag shape. It is commonly used in set phrases and literature.
稲妻が走った。
A flash of lightning streaked across the sky.
To emphasize the brightness or suddenness of the flash, often with dramatic effect.
Means 'flash' or 'glint' and is often used for a very bright, instantaneous flash of lightning. It can also refer to other types of flashes (e.g., camera flash).
閃光が走り、すぐに雷鳴がとどろいた。
A flash of lightning streaked, and immediately thunder roared.
Literally 'electric light', this word is used for lightning flashes and is common in compounds like 電光石火 (lightning speed). It can sound slightly technical.
To use a more evocative or traditional expression for a flash of lightning, often in writing or poetry.
Already introduced, but it is also the most natural choice in poetic contexts due to its agricultural imagery.
夏の夜、稲光が美しい。
On summer nights, flashes of lightning are beautiful.
Often used in classical poetry and literature. It can evoke a sense of fleetingness or divine power.
稲光 (inabikari) specifically refers to the flash of light. 雷 (kaminari) is the general word for thunder and lightning as a phenomenon, including the sound. 雷光 (raikou) is a more formal term for the light flash. Use 稲光 when you want to emphasize the visual flash, and 雷 when talking about thunder and lightning in general.
電光が一瞬、あたりを昼のように明るくした。
A flash of lightning momentarily made the area as bright as day.
稲妻のひらめきが闇を切り裂いた。
A flash of lightning tore through the darkness.