射す

• Reading: さす
• Romaji: sasu
• Kanji breakdown: 射 (sha/sa) — shoot, shine, radiate
• Pronunciation: /sa.sɯ/

Meaning

To shine; to strike (of light). Used when sunlight or other light streams in or hits a surface.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the す row. An intransitive verb primarily used to describe sunlight or moonlight shining into a space. Most commonly appears in the pattern 日が射す or 光が射す. Has a literary, somewhat poetic quality compared to everyday words for light. Often seen in written descriptions of nature and atmosphere.

Examples

1. 朝の光がカーテンの隙間から射してきた。 Morning light came streaming in through the gap in the curtains.
2. 雲の間から日が射して虹が出た。 The sun peeked through the clouds and a rainbow appeared.
3. 夕日が窓から射す時間が一番好きだ。 The time when the evening sun shines through the window is my favorite.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, literature, weather

Tone: poetic

Origin & History

The kanji 射 combines 身 (body) and 寸 (measure/inch). Originally depicted an arrow being released from a bow — something projecting outward, extended to light projecting into a space.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal