Translation guide
The star at the center of our solar system. In Japanese, the Sun is most commonly referred to as 太陽 (taiyō), but other terms exist for specific contexts like sunrise, sunset, or sunlight.
Referring to the Sun in general, scientific, or everyday contexts.
The standard word for the Sun. Used in everyday conversation, science, and literature.
太陽は東から昇る。
The Sun rises in the east.
太陽の光がまぶしい。
The sunlight is dazzling.
Often used in compound words or poetic contexts. Can also mean 'day' or 'sunlight'.
日が沈む。
The Sun sets.
Talking about the light and warmth from the Sun.
Refers specifically to sunlight or sunshine.
日光を浴びる。
Bask in the sunlight.
Sunlight, often with a nuance of rays or beams. Common in weather contexts.
Alternative kanji for 日差し, sometimes used in literary contexts.
Referring to the Sun rising.
The standard word for sunrise.
明日の日の出は5時です。
Tomorrow's sunrise is at 5 o'clock.
Referring to the Sun setting.
The standard word for sunset, though 日没 is also common.
日の入りがきれいだ。
The sunset is beautiful.
More formal or technical term for sunset.
Using 'Sun' in proper nouns, metaphors, or cultural references.
Used in compounds like 日曜日 (Sunday) or 日本 (Japan, literally 'sun origin').
日本は「日の出る国」とも呼ばれる。
Japan is also called 'the land of the rising sun'.
The sunlight is strong today.
The sunlight is warm.
日没は午後6時です。
Sunset is at 6 p.m.