Translation guide
In Japanese, the English word 'halo' is most commonly expressed as 光輪 (こうりん) for a ring of light, especially in religious or artistic contexts. For atmospheric optical phenomena like a halo around the sun or moon, 暈 (かさ) is the standard term. In casual or descriptive speech, 輪 (わ) meaning 'ring' or 'circle' can be used with modifiers.
A circle of light depicted around the head of a holy figure, or a glowing ring in art and metaphor.
The standard term for a halo in religious iconography, such as around the head of Buddha or Christ. Also used metaphorically for a radiant ring.
仏像の頭の後ろに光輪が描かれている。
A halo is depicted behind the head of the Buddha statue.
天使の光輪が金色に輝いていた。
The angel's halo shone golden.
Literally 'back light', refers specifically to the halo or aura behind a holy figure. Often used in Buddhist contexts.
仏の後光が差している。
The Buddha's halo is shining.
A round halo, often used in Buddhist art. Less common in everyday language.
菩薩の円光が美しい。
The bodhisattva's round halo is beautiful.
A ring of light around the sun or moon caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere.
The meteorological term for a halo around the sun or moon. Often used in weather forecasts or scientific contexts.
今夜は月に暈が出ている。
There's a halo around the moon tonight.
太陽の周りに暈が見えると、天気が下り坂の兆しだ。
When you see a halo around the sun, it's a sign of approaching bad weather.
Specifically a solar halo. More precise than 暈 alone.
日暈がくっきりと現れた。
A solar halo appeared clearly.
Specifically a lunar halo.
Any ring-shaped glow or aura, not necessarily religious or meteorological.
Means 'ring' or 'circle'. Used with modifiers like 光の輪 (ひかりのわ) to describe a halo-like ring of light.
ランプの周りに光の輪ができていた。
A halo of light formed around the lamp.
彼女の髪が後光のような輪を作っていた。
Her hair formed a halo-like ring.
Literally 'ring of light', a common descriptive phrase for a halo effect.
街灯の周りに光の輪が見えた。
I saw a halo around the streetlight.
光輪 (こうりん) is used for artistic or religious halos, while 暈 (かさ) is specifically for atmospheric optical phenomena. Using 光輪 for a sun halo would sound poetic or metaphorical, not scientific.
The loanword ハロー (harō) means 'hello' in Japanese, not 'halo'. Using it to mean a ring of light will cause confusion.
A lunar halo is faintly visible.