noun
Physical shadow cast by an object or person; also a dark shape or silhouette.
木の影が地面に長く伸びている。
The shadow of the tree stretches long across the ground.
窓に人の影が映った。
A human silhouette appeared on the window.
noun
Reflected image in a mirror, water, or other surface.
湖に山の影が映っている。
The reflection of the mountains is visible on the lake.
noun
ominous sign; hint
A faint, often negative sign or hint of something; frequently used in expressions like 影も見えない or 影すらない.
彼の顔には不安の影がさしていた。
A shadow of anxiety crossed his face.
noun
Poetic or literary use for the faint light of celestial bodies; often in set phrases like 月影.
月影が庭を照らしていた。
The moonlight illuminated the garden.
noun
trace; shadow (of one's former self)
A faint remnant or diminished version of something; common in phrases like 影も形もない or 昔の影.
彼は昔の影もなく、すっかり老け込んでいた。
He was a mere shadow of his former self, completely aged.
noun
behind; background; other side
Non-standard use for 陰; refers to the hidden or back side, or a place out of sight. Usually written as 陰 in this sense.
See also: 陰 (かげ)
この用法では「陰」と書くのが一般的で、「影」はあまり使われない。
In this usage, 陰 is the standard spelling; 影 is rarely used.
The historical derivation is uncertain; the kanji 影 is conventionally associated with shadow and reflection.