Translation guide
Describes a soft, reflected light or a shiny surface. Japanese uses different words depending on what is gleaming and how.
The lake gleamed in the moonlight.
Her eyes gleamed with joy.
To describe a soft, reflected light, like moonlight on water or polished metal.
General verb for shining brightly, but can also describe a soft gleam. Works for stars, eyes, polished surfaces.
The lake was gleaming in the moonlight.
Common verb for shining or gleaming. Often used for small, steady lights or reflections.
Describes a sparkling, twinkling gleam, like stars or glittering surfaces.
To describe eyes that shine with excitement, tears, or mischief.
To describe a quick, sharp gleam, like light reflecting off a blade or glasses.
Common for a quick glint or flash of light.
To describe a surface that is so clean or polished it reflects light.
Describes a glossy, lustrous surface, like polished wood or clean hair.
The floor is gleaming.
輝く (kagayaku) implies a radiant, warm shine, often used for stars, eyes, or hope. 光る (hikaru) is a general shine or glint, often for small or sharp lights. きらめく (kirameku) is a sparkling, twinkling gleam, like glitter or stars.
stars shine brightly
彼女の指輪が光った。
Her ring gleamed.
星がきらめいている。
The stars are gleaming.
Used for eyes shining with joy, hope, or excitement.
His eyes gleamed with joy.
Can be used for eyes gleaming with tears or a sharp glint.
Tears gleamed in her eyes.
The sword gleamed for an instant.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a single, sharp gleam or sparkle.
His glasses gleamed.
Casual onomatopoeia for something shiny and clean, like a new car or polished shoes.
His shoes are always gleaming.
猫の目が光る
a cat's eyes gleam
the water surface sparkles