光

• Reading: ひかり
• Romaji: hikari
• Kanji breakdown: 光 (kō/hikari) — light, shine, ray
• Pronunciation: /çi.ka.ɾi/

Meaning

Light; a ray or beam of light. Refers to visible brightness from the sun, lamps, or other sources.

Used both literally for physical light and figuratively to mean hope or a bright future. The verb form 光る (hikaru) means to shine or sparkle. It is also a popular given name in Japanese. Common in compounds like 日光 (nikkou, sunlight) and 光景 (koukei, scene/spectacle).

Examples

1. 朝の光が窓から入ってきた。 The morning light came in through the window.
2. トンネルの先に光が見えます。 I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
3. 太陽の光が強くて目を開けられない。 The sunlight is so strong I can't open my eyes.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, daily life, literature, figurative speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 光 depicts fire above a person, symbolising the emanation of brightness.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal