明かし

• Reading: あかし
• Romaji: akashi
• Kanji breakdown: 明 (mei/aka) — bright, clear, reveal
• Pronunciation: /a.ka.ɕi/

Meaning

Proof; evidence; testimony; a demonstration or pledge that attests to truth.

A noun derived from the verb 明かす (to reveal, to prove). Used in formal and literary contexts to mean evidence or proof of something. Often appears in set phrases like 愛の明かし (proof of love) or 実力の明かし (proof of ability). More literary and elevated than the everyday 証拠 (shōko), and carries a sense of revelation rather than mere documentation.

Examples

1. この手紙こそが、彼の無実の明かしとなった。 This letter became the very proof of his innocence.
2. 長年の友情の明かしとして、彼は大切な形見を贈った。 As proof of their long friendship, he gave her a precious keepsake.
3. 彼女はその資格を取ることで、自分の努力の明かしとした。 By obtaining that qualification, she made it her proof of effort.

Usage Guide

Context: evidence, law, literature, relationships

Tone: formal, literary

Origin & History

Derived from 明かす (to reveal, to make clear, to prove). The kanji 明 combines 日 (sun) and 月 (moon), representing clarity and illumination — the idea of bringing something hidden into the light.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated