also: こうめい
bright light; radiance
Refers to a literal, shining light, often with a positive or hopeful connotation.
After exiting the tunnel, a bright light was visible ahead.
hope; bright future; glimmer of hope
Metaphorical use: a hopeful prospect or a sign of improvement in a difficult situation. Often used in expressions like 光明を見出す (find a ray of hope).
This research may become a ray of hope for treating the intractable disease.
After a long recession, a glimmer of hope for economic recovery has finally appeared.
Buddhist light of wisdom and compassion
Buddhist term for the spiritual light emanating from a buddha or bodhisattva, symbolizing their enlightened wisdom and compassion.
The halo of light depicted behind the Buddha statue represents the Buddha's wisdom.
I found a glimmer of hope in the difficult situation.
A glimmer of hope began to appear at the end of the long tunnel.
His words were a single ray of hope.