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.
The moonlight lit up the road.
Literally 'make bright'. Used when turning on lights or brightening a room.
Let's light up the room more.
To light a candle, lamp, or fire. More poetic or traditional.
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.
The city lights lit up all at once.
To become bright. Often used for rooms or the sky.
The sky suddenly lit up.
To shine brilliantly, sparkle. Often used for faces, jewels, or stars.
To ignite a cigarette and begin smoking.
For a person's face or expression to suddenly become animated with joy.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'one's face lights up'. Very natural.
His face lit up when he saw the present.
Literally 'make one's eyes sparkle'. Used when someone's eyes light up with excitement.
More literary way to say 'expression lights up'.
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.
She went outside and lit up.
The children listened with their eyes lit up.