Translation guide
The English word 'ray' can refer to a beam of light, a type of fish, or a geometric line. This guide focuses on the most common meanings for English-speaking learners: a ray of light/sunlight, and the fish. Other meanings like geometry or radiation are less common in daily conversation.
Expressing a narrow beam or shaft of light, especially sunlight.
General term for a ray or beam of light. Used in both literal and scientific contexts.
Rays of sunlight streamed through the clouds.
Refers to sunlight or sunshine, often implying rays of the sun. Very common in daily conversation.
Literally 'a single streak of light'. Used for a dramatic or poetic ray of light.
A beam or shaft of light, often used in literary or dramatic descriptions.
Expressing a small sign of hope in a difficult situation.
The most common way to say 'a ray of hope'. Literally 'a single thread of hope'.
Referring to the flat-bodied sea creature.
General term for ray (the fish). Often written in katakana.
A line with a starting point that extends infinitely in one direction.
While 'ray' often refers to light, Japanese uses different words depending on context. 光 (ひかり) is general 'light', while 光線 (こうせん) specifically means 'ray/beam'. Using 光 alone may not convey the narrow beam nuance.
日差し (ひざし) emphasizes the rays or warmth of the sun, often used for sunlight streaming in. 日光 (にっこう) is more general 'sunlight'. For 'a ray of sun', 日差し is more natural.
The sun's rays are strong.
The morning rays of sun came into the room.
I saw a single ray of light in the darkness.
山の向こうから光芒が差した。
A ray of light shone from beyond the mountain.
The news gave us a ray of hope.
Literally 'bright light', used metaphorically for hope or a hopeful sign.
To find a ray of hope for the future.
水族館で大きなエイを見た。
I saw a big ray at the aquarium.
Kanji for ray fish, but rarely used. Katakana is standard.
Rays live on the ocean floor.
Mathematical term for a ray. Used only in geometry contexts.
Draw ray AB with endpoint A.
日光浴をする。
To sunbathe.