Translation guide
Describes light or flame that is unsteady, wavering, or flashing on and off rapidly. Also used metaphorically for emotions or expressions that appear briefly.
Describing a light source that wavers, trembles, or goes on and off rapidly.
Onomatopoeic adverb describing a flickering or twinkling light, often used with する. Very common and natural.
The candle flame is flickering.
Noun/する-verb meaning 'flickering on and off' or 'blinking', often used for lights, stars, or electronic indicators.
The light from the distant lighthouse is flickering.
Verb meaning to flicker or waver, often used for flames or shadows. Slightly literary.
The fire in the fireplace is flickering.
Onomatopoeia for a light flickering or blinking rapidly, often annoyingly. Used with する.
The fluorescent light is flickering and it's annoying.
Verb meaning to twinkle or flicker, typically used for stars or distant lights. Can also mean 'to blink' (eyes).
The stars are twinkling.
Describing an emotion, smile, or thought that appears briefly and then disappears.
Adverb meaning 'for a moment' or 'fleetingly', often used with verbs like 見える or 浮かぶ.
A flicker of anxiety crossed her face.
Adverb meaning 'faintly' or 'slightly', often used to describe a barely perceptible expression.
He smiled faintly (a flicker of a smile).
Noun/adverb meaning 'an instant' or 'a moment', used to describe something that appears very briefly.
Describing a screen or display that is unstable, with rapid changes in brightness or image.
Verb meaning to flicker or flutter, commonly used for screens, lights, or snow. Very natural for screen flicker.
The computer screen is flickering.
Loanword from English 'flicker', used in technical contexts for screen flicker or light flicker.
ちらちら is a gentle, wavering flicker (candle, twinkle). チカチカ is a rapid, often irritating on-off flicker (faulty fluorescent light). ちらつく is a verb often used for screens or snow, implying an intermittent disturbance.
English 'flicker of emotion' is not directly translated with light-flickering words. Use adverbs like ちらりと or 一瞬 to convey the brief appearance.
彼の目に一瞬怒りが走った。
A flicker of anger flashed in his eyes.
This monitor has little flicker.