輝く

• Reading: かがやく
• Romaji: kagayaku
• Kanji breakdown: 輝 (kagaya/ki) — shine, radiance
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɡa.ja.kɯ/

Meaning

To shine; to glitter; to sparkle. Emitting or reflecting bright light, or being radiant with success or beauty.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugating with the k-row (輝く → 輝かない → 輝いて). Used both literally for light (星が輝く, the stars shine) and figuratively for people or achievements (目が輝く, eyes sparkle with excitement; 輝かしい未来, a brilliant future). A poetic and uplifting word, common in songs, speeches, and literature.

Examples

1. 夜空に星が美しく輝いている。 The stars are shining beautifully in the night sky.
2. その話を聞いて子供の目が輝いた。 The child's eyes lit up when they heard the story.
3. 優勝トロフィーが金色に輝いていた。 The championship trophy was gleaming in gold.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, literature, achievement

Tone: poetic

Origin & History

The kanji 輝 combines light (光) and military/many (軍), suggesting the dazzling brightness of many lights — originally the gleaming of numerous weapons or armour in sunlight.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal