Translation guide
Describes a light or flame that shines unsteadily, or a rapid, slight movement. In Japanese, different words are used depending on what is flickering and the nature of the movement.
To describe a light source that repeatedly brightens and dims, or a flame that wavers.
Common onomatopoeic verb for a light or flame flickering unsteadily. Often used for candles, fluorescent lights, or TV screens.
The candle flame is flickering.
The fluorescent light started flickering.
More formal or technical term for lights going on and off repeatedly. Often used for warning lights, signals, or stars.
The warning light is flickering.
Describes a flame or light swaying gently and beautifully, often with a poetic nuance. Common for candlelight or distant lights.
The fireplace flames are flickering.
Primarily means 'to blink', but can describe a light flickering momentarily, like a star twinkling. Often used in set phrases.
The stars flicker/twinkle.
To describe something moving quickly and lightly, often back and forth or appearing and disappearing.
Describes small, involuntary, repetitive movements, like a twitching eyelid or muscle spasm. 'Pikupiku' is the onomatopoeia.
My eyelid is flickering/twitching.
Adverb describing something appearing and disappearing intermittently, like a flickering shadow or light snow flurries. Can also describe a flickering light.
Means to flash or flutter. Can describe a flag fluttering, a fish leaping, or an idea flashing into mind. For light, it implies a brief, brilliant flicker.
To describe a brief, barely noticeable expression or feeling that appears on someone's face or in their eyes.
Pattern meaning 'a flicker of [emotion] crossed [person]'s face'. The verb よぎる means 'to pass across momentarily'.
A flicker of anxiety crossed his face.
Pattern meaning 'a flicker of [emotion] appeared in [person]'s eyes'. ちらりと is an adverb for a brief, fleeting glimpse.
A flicker of anger appeared in her eyes.
ちらつく is the most common and versatile for unsteady light. 明滅する is more technical, emphasizing on/off cycles. 揺らめく is poetic, focusing on gentle, swaying motion.
The screen flickers (unsteady image).
The signal light flickers (blinks on and off).
The candle flame flickers (sways gently).
影がちらちらと揺れる。
Shadows flicker and sway.
稲妻がひらめいた。
Lightning flickered.