How to say "illuminate" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 照らすてらすgodan verb, transitive verbThe common, all-purpose choice: light shining on something and illuminating it. Use this for the basic 'shine on, illuminate' sense unless you want the nuance of lighting something up so it stands out.
- 照らし出すてらしだすgodan verb, transitive verbTo light something up so that it stands out clearly in view, as a spotlight lights a stage. Less common than 照らす; choose it when you want that nuance of bringing something into view.
- 光を当てるひかりをあてるexpression, ichidan verbA phrase meaning to shine or direct light onto something. Less common than 照らす; use it when you want to describe light being aimed at something rather than simply say that something is lit.
Choose 「照らす」 as the default for shining light on or illuminating something; use 「照らし出す」 when the light brings the thing clearly into view, and 「光を当てる」 when describing light being directed onto something.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
