Translation guide
The English word "shadow" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common physical shadow is 影 (kage), but there are also words for silhouette, shade, and figurative uses like influence or tailing someone.
The dark shape made when something blocks light.
The most common word for a shadow cast by a person, object, or building. Can also refer to a silhouette or reflection.
The shadow of the tree is cast on the ground.
He was surprised to see his own shadow.
Often used for shade or a shadow that provides coolness, or in figurative senses like 'behind the scenes'. Can overlap with 影 but emphasizes the area of darkness rather than the shape.
A poetic or literary term for a shadow, especially a person's shadow. Not used in everyday speech.
A dark shape seen against a light background, or a vague figure.
Works for both a clear shadow and a silhouette. Context clarifies the meaning.
An area of darkness where light is blocked, often providing coolness.
Refers to shade, a dark area out of direct sunlight. Also used in phrases like 陰で (behind one's back).
Something that follows or affects someone, like a bad influence, a threat, or a hidden aspect.
Used in many figurative expressions: 影を落とす (cast a shadow over), 影が薄い (have a weak presence), 影で動く (act behind the scenes).
To follow someone closely without being noticed.
The act of tailing or shadowing someone, often used for detectives or suspicious behavior.
An image reflected on a surface.
Can mean reflection, especially in water or a mirror. Often used in poetic contexts.
Both are read かげ. 影 emphasizes the shape or form of a shadow, while 陰 emphasizes the area of darkness or shade. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 陰 is preferred for shade from the sun and figurative 'behind the scenes' uses. 影 is more common for shadows cast by objects and people.
The loanword シャドー (shadō) exists but is mainly used in makeup (eyeshadow) or in compound words like シャドーボックス (shadow box). For everyday shadows, use 影 or 陰.
It was hot, so I rested in the shade of a tree.
The shadow is stretching long.
窓に人の影が映った。
A person's silhouette appeared in the window.
Loanword from English, used specifically for a silhouette or outline, often in art or fashion.
Her silhouette is beautiful.
日陰で涼む。
Cool off in the shade.
Speak ill of someone behind their back.
Specifically 'shade from the sun'. Very common in daily life.
Let's get into the shade.
戦争の影が国民の生活に影を落としている。
The shadow of war looms over people's lives.
He has a weak presence (lit. his shadow is thin).
Often used for hidden or negative aspects: 陰の部分 (dark side), 陰で支える (support from behind the scenes).
He works hard behind the scenes.
Literally 'dark shadow', used for a gloomy or ominous influence.
The dark shadow of recession hangs over society.
The detective shadowed the suspect.
Idiomatic: 'to follow like a shadow', implying persistent and often unwanted following.
He followed her like a shadow.
湖に山の影が映っている。
The reflection of the mountains is visible on the lake.
Specifically means reflection, as in a mirror or water. More precise than 影 for this meaning.
Look at one's own reflection in the mirror.