Translation guide
In Japanese, 'white light' is typically expressed as 白い光 (shiroi hikari) or 白色光 (hakushokukō). The choice depends on context: everyday descriptions use 白い光, while scientific or technical contexts use 白色光. There is also a specific term 白熱光 (hakunekkō) for incandescent light.
Describing light that appears white in everyday situations, such as sunlight, lamp light, or a bright flash.
The most common and natural way to say 'white light' in everyday Japanese. It literally means 'white light' and is used for any light that looks white.
部屋に白い光が差し込んでいた。
White light was streaming into the room.
カメラのフラッシュが白い光を放った。
The camera flash emitted a white light.
A more literary or poetic term for white light, often used in written descriptions or artistic contexts.
月の白光が湖面を照らしていた。
The white light of the moon illuminated the lake surface.
Referring to white light in physics, optics, or technology, such as light composed of all wavelengths or used in displays.
The standard technical term for white light in scientific contexts. Used in physics, engineering, and product specifications.
白色光はプリズムで虹色に分解される。
White light is separated into rainbow colors by a prism.
このLEDは白色光を発する。
This LED emits white light.
Specifically refers to incandescent light, the white light produced by heating a filament. Used in contexts like old light bulbs or thermal radiation.
白熱電球は白熱光を利用している。
Incandescent bulbs use incandescent light.
白い光 is the everyday phrase, while 白色光 is the technical term. Use 白い光 in conversation and descriptive writing; use 白色光 in scientific papers, product manuals, or when discussing light spectra.
白い光がまぶしい。
The white light is dazzling.
白色光のスペクトルを測定する。
Measure the spectrum of white light.