Translation guide
The English word "light" covers many distinct concepts: illumination, something not heavy, pale colors, starting a fire, and more. Each meaning maps to different Japanese words and expressions. This guide breaks them down by practical use.
Visible light, brightness, or a source of light (natural or artificial).
General word for light as illumination or rays. Used for sunlight, starlight, and metaphorical light.
Sunlight came into the room.
I saw a light of hope.
Light from a lamp, candle, or other artificial source; also the light itself that illuminates a space.
Please turn on the light in the room.
I read a book by candlelight.
Lighting equipment or illumination as a system. Often used in technical or interior design contexts.
The lighting in this room is too bright.
Alternative kanji for 明かり, often used for poetic or traditional light sources like lanterns.
The streetlights illuminated the road.
Having little weight; easy to lift or carry.
Standard adjective for light in weight. Also used figuratively for light meals, light punishment, etc.
This luggage is very light.
I had a light meal.
Describing a color that is pale, not deep or dark.
Use 薄い (thin/pale) before a color noun to mean light/pale. E.g., 薄い青 (light blue).
Light pink flowers are blooming.
She was wearing a light green sweater.
Means pale, light, or faint in color. Often used for delicate or pastel shades.
To cause something to start burning; to set fire to.
General phrase for lighting something like a cigarette, candle, or fire.
He lit the candle.
More formal or technical term for ignition, used for engines, gas stoves, etc.
Light the gas stove.
To light a lamp, candle, or lantern. Somewhat literary.
A signal at an intersection controlling traffic.
Light in mood, not heavy or serious; casual entertainment.
Same word as 'not heavy', used figuratively for light topics, light reading, etc.
I like light reading.
It's a hobby I started with a light heart.
Means carefree, easygoing, or light-hearted. Often used for atmosphere or attitude.
I relaxed by watching a light movie.
Considering something; from the perspective of.
English 'light' as illumination is 光 (ひかり) or 明かり (あかり), while 'light' as not heavy is 軽い (かるい). They are completely different words in Japanese.
This box is light. (not heavy)
Light is streaming into the room.
明かり (あかり) usually refers to artificial light or a light source that illuminates a space, while 光 (ひかり) is more about rays or beams of light, often natural. However, they overlap in some contexts.
In Japan, the 'go' signal is called 青 (あお, blue) even though it looks green. So you say 信号が青になる (the light turns blue/green).
Could you turn on the light?
In daily conversation, 'light' often becomes 電気 (electricity/light) when referring to room lights.
The room was filled with soft light.
I prefer light colors for summer clothes.
The pale purple sky was beautiful.
Light a bonfire.
I lit a candle and prayed.
Turn right at the next light.
Full term for traffic light, used when clarity is needed.
Let's cross the street carefully while watching the traffic lights.
Develop a strategy in light of market trends.