Translation guide
Describes a soft, reflected light or a shiny surface. Japanese uses different words depending on what is gleaming and how.
月明かりで湖が輝いていた。
The lake gleamed in the moonlight.
彼女の目は喜びで輝いていた。
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.
月明かりで湖が輝いていた。
The lake was gleaming in the moonlight.
Common verb for shining or gleaming. Often used for small, steady lights or reflections.
彼女の指輪が光った。
Her ring gleamed.
Describes a sparkling, twinkling gleam, like stars or glittering surfaces.
星がきらめいている。
The stars are gleaming.
To describe eyes that shine with excitement, tears, or mischief.
Used for eyes shining with joy, hope, or excitement.
彼の目は喜びで輝いていた。
His eyes gleamed with joy.
Can be used for eyes gleaming with tears or a sharp glint.
To describe a quick, sharp gleam, like light reflecting off a blade or glasses.
Common for a quick glint or flash of light.
刀が一瞬光った。
The sword gleamed for an instant.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a single, sharp gleam or sparkle.
彼の眼鏡がきらりと光った。
His glasses gleamed.
To describe a surface that is so clean or polished it reflects light.
Describes a glossy, lustrous surface, like polished wood or clean hair.
床がつやつやしている。
The floor is gleaming.
Casual onomatopoeia for something shiny and clean, like a new car or polished shoes.
彼の靴はいつもピカピカだ。
His shoes are always 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.
Tears gleamed in her eyes.