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.
太陽の光が部屋に入ってきた。
Sunlight came into the room.
希望の光が見えた。
I saw a light of hope.
Light from a lamp, candle, or other artificial source; also the light itself that illuminates a space.
部屋の明かりをつけてください。
Please turn on the light in the room.
ろうそくの明かりで本を読んだ。
I read a book by candlelight.
Lighting equipment or illumination as a system. Often used in technical or interior design contexts.
この部屋の照明は明るすぎる。
The lighting in this room is too bright.
Alternative kanji for 明かり, often used for poetic or traditional light sources like lanterns.
街灯の灯りが道を照らしていた。
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.
この荷物はとても軽い。
This luggage is very light.
軽い食事をとった。
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).
薄いピンクの花が咲いている。
Light pink flowers are blooming.
彼女は薄い緑色のセーターを着ていた。
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.
彼はろうそくに火をつけた。
He lit the candle.
たき火に火をつける。
Light a bonfire.
More formal or technical term for ignition, used for engines, gas stoves, etc.
ガスコンロを点火する。
Light the gas stove.
To light a lamp, candle, or lantern. Somewhat literary.
A signal at an intersection controlling traffic.
Short for 交通信号 (traffic signal). Used for both the device and the light it shows.
信号が青になった。
The light turned green.
次の信号を右に曲がってください。
Turn right at the next light.
Light in mood, not heavy or serious; casual entertainment.
Same word as 'not heavy', used figuratively for light topics, light reading, etc.
軽い読み物が好きです。
I like light reading.
軽い気持ちで始めた趣味です。
It's a hobby I started with a light heart.
Means carefree, easygoing, or light-hearted. Often used for atmosphere or attitude.
気楽な映画を見てリラックスした。
I relaxed by watching a light movie.
Considering something; from the perspective of.
Formal pattern meaning 'in light of' or 'in view of'. Used with nouns.
新しい証拠に照らして、判決が見直された。
The verdict was reviewed in light of new evidence.
Means 'based on' or 'in light of', often used in business or academic contexts.
市場の動向を踏まえて戦略を立てる。
Develop a strategy in light of market trends.
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.
この箱は軽い。
This box is light. (not heavy)
部屋に光が差し込んでいる。
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).
電気をつけてもらえますか？
Could you turn on the light?
In daily conversation, 'light' often becomes 電気 (electricity/light) when referring to room lights.
部屋は柔らかな光で満ちていた。
The room was filled with soft light.
夏服は薄い色が好きです。
I prefer light colors for summer clothes.
The pale purple sky was beautiful.
I lit a candle and prayed.
Full term for traffic light, used when clarity is needed.
交通信号をよく見て渡りましょう。
Let's cross the street carefully while watching the traffic lights.