Translation guide
The English word 'glowing' can describe literal light emission, a healthy or radiant appearance, or very enthusiastic praise. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing something that gives off a soft, steady light or is red-hot, like embers, a lamp, or a screen.
General verb for shining or glowing. Works for stars, lamps, screens, etc.
画面が暗闇で光っている。
The screen is glowing in the dark.
Implies a bright, radiant glow, often with a sense of beauty or brilliance.
星が夜空に輝いている。
The stars are glowing in the night sky.
Specifically for something burning with a red glow, like embers or a fire.
炭が赤々と燃えている。
The charcoal is glowing red.
Describing a person's complexion or expression that looks healthy, vibrant, or full of life.
Commonly used for a face or eyes that are glowing with happiness or health.
彼女の顔は喜びで輝いていた。
Her face was glowing with joy.
Describes skin or hair that has a healthy glow or luster.
肌につやがあって、とても健康的に見える。
Your skin is glowing and looks very healthy.
Literally 'good blood color', used for a healthy, rosy complexion.
今日は血色がいいですね。
You're glowing today. (lit. Your complexion looks good.)
Describing a review, recommendation, or comment that is full of high praise.
Means 'highly praised' or 'rave'. Used before nouns like review or comment.
その映画は絶賛のレビューを受けた。
The movie received glowing reviews.
To praise unreservedly or without holding back. Often used as '手放しの賛辞' (unreserved praise).
上司は彼の仕事を手放しで褒めた。
The boss gave a glowing commendation of his work.
Slang for praising effusively or gushing. Often used in casual conversation.
友達が私の料理をべた褒めしてくれた。
My friend gave my cooking a glowing review.
While 光る means 'to glow' in the sense of emitting light, it is not used for a healthy complexion. Use 輝く or つやがある instead.
肌が光っている
Skin is shiny (like it's oily or wet)