影

• Reading: かげ
• Romaji: kage
• Kanji breakdown: 影 (kage/ei) — shadow, silhouette, reflection
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɡe/

Meaning

Shadow; silhouette; reflection. The dark shape cast by an object blocking light.

A noun referring to the visible shadow or silhouette produced by light being blocked. Unlike 陰 which emphasizes the hidden or shaded area, 影 focuses on the visible shape itself. Common in both literal use (人の影, shadow of a person) and figurative expressions (影響, influence — literally 'shadow response').

Examples

1. 夕日で自分の影が長くなった。 My shadow grew long in the setting sun.
2. 木の影で少し休もう。 Let's rest for a bit in the shadow of the tree.
3. 水面に山の影が映っていた。 The shadow of the mountain was reflected on the water's surface.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, daily life, literature

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 影 combines 景 (scenery, light) with 彡 (decorative lines, appearance). It originally referred to light and brightness in classical Chinese before shifting to mean the dark shape created by light — the shadow.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal