Translation guide
The English phrase 'light up' can mean to illuminate something, to become illuminated, to start smoking a cigarette, or to suddenly show happiness or excitement. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To cause a space or object to become bright, often with a light source.
General verb for shining light on something. Often used for light illuminating a wide area.
月明かりが道を照らしていた。
The moonlight lit up the road.
Literally 'make bright'. Used when turning on lights or brightening a room.
部屋をもっと明るくしよう。
Let's light up the room more.
To light a candle, lamp, or fire. More poetic or traditional.
ろうそくを灯して部屋を照らした。
She lit a candle and lit up the room.
To start shining or become bright, often suddenly.
To shine, glow, or flash. Used for lights, stars, screens, etc.
街の明かりが一斉に光った。
The city lights lit up all at once.
To become bright. Often used for rooms or the sky.
空が急に明るくなった。
The sky suddenly lit up.
To shine brilliantly, sparkle. Often used for faces, jewels, or stars.
To ignite a cigarette and begin smoking.
Standard phrase for lighting a cigarette.
彼はタバコに火をつけて、深く吸い込んだ。
He lit up a cigarette and inhaled deeply.
Literally 'start smoking a cigarette'. More descriptive.
彼女は外に出てタバコを吸い始めた。
She went outside and lit up.
For a person's face or expression to suddenly become animated with joy.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'one's face lights up'. Very natural.
プレゼントを見て、彼の顔がぱっと明るくなった。
His face lit up when he saw the present.
Literally 'make one's eyes sparkle'. Used when someone's eyes light up with excitement.
子どもたちは目を輝かせて話を聞いていた。
The children listened with their eyes lit up.
More literary way to say 'expression lights up'.
彼女の表情がぱっと輝いた。
Her expression lit up.
Do not use '照らす' for a face lighting up with emotion. Use idiomatic phrases like '顔がぱっと明るくなる' or '目を輝かせる' instead.
彼女の顔が喜びで輝いた。
Her face lit up with joy.