Translation guide
The English word "sunshine" refers to the light and warmth from the sun. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 日光 (nikkō), but other words like 日差し (hizashi) and 陽射し (hizashi) are used for specific nuances such as rays of sun or warmth. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on context.
Referring to the light from the sun, often in a neutral or positive sense.
Emphasizing the beams or warmth of the sun, often in a pleasant context.
Refers to the rays of the sun, often implying warmth. Commonly used in weather forecasts and daily conversation.
Describing the condition of having sunshine, or a spot where the sun shines.
A sunny place; the opposite of shade. Often used when talking about being in the sun.
Metaphorical use, often in phrases like 'ray of sunshine'.
Literally 'light of hope'. Used to describe someone or something that brings joy or hope.
日光 is the general term for sunlight, often used in scientific or neutral contexts. 日差し emphasizes the rays and warmth, and is more common in daily conversation about weather.
In English, 'sunshine' can be a term of endearment ('my sunshine'). In Japanese, directly translating this would sound unnatural. Use expressions like 大切な人 (taisetsu na hito, 'precious person') or 希望の光 (kibō no hikari, 'light of hope') instead.
I love the morning sunshine.
Plants need sunshine.
The sunshine is strong today.
The spring sunshine feels pleasant.
Alternative kanji for 日差し, often with a nuance of warmth and brightness. Interchangeable in many contexts.
Take a walk in the sunshine.
A literary or poetic term for sunlight, often used in writing.
A garden bathed in sunshine.
The cat is sleeping in the sunshine.
It's warm in the sunshine.
Fine weather; clear sky. More about the weather condition than the light itself.
It's sunny today. (literally: It's fine weather.)
She is a ray of sunshine in my life.
A more literary phrase meaning 'a ray of light' in a dark situation.
The news was a ray of sunshine in a dark situation.
The room gets a lot of sunshine.