Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Get the Kotomora apps for iOS and Android.

Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides About Support Privacy

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

残光 (ざんこう, zankou) Japanese meaning: afterglow | Kotomora

残ざん光こう

ざ

ん

こ

う

Meanings

1

afterglow; lingering light

Refers to the light that remains in the sky after sunset, or metaphorically to a fading remnant of something bright.

夕ゆう焼やけの残ざん光こうが山やまの端はに消きえていった。
The afterglow of the sunset faded behind the mountain ridge.

Kanji

残remainder, leftover, balance
光ray, light

Related words

夕ゆう焼やけ
夕焼け is the sunset glow itself, while 残光 is the light that remains after the sun has set.
余よ韻いん
余韻 is a lingering impression or reverberation, often used for sound or emotional aftereffects, whereas 残光 specifically refers to light.

Etymology

Compound of 残 (ざん, 'remaining') and 光 (こう, 'light'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.

彼かれの目めにはまだ希き望ぼうの残ざん光こうが宿やどっていた。

A lingering light of hope still remained in his eyes.