ほの

prefix

faintly; dimly; slightly; barely

Prefix attached to adjectives and verbs to indicate a faint, slight, or barely perceptible degree. Common in literary or poetic contexts. Used in fixed expressions like ほの白い (faintly white) and ほの見える (dimly visible).

See also: 仄白い · 仄見える

• 東ひがしの空そらがほの白しろくなってきた。

  The eastern sky has become faintly light.

• 霧きりの向むこうに灯あかりがほの見みえる。

  A light is dimly visible beyond the fog.