How to say "shine" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 差すさすgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers light shining onto or into a place — sunlight streaming through a window, for instance; the light falls from outside on its surroundings.
- 光るひかるgodan verb, intransitive verbThe general verb for something giving off or reflecting light: it shines, glitters, or is simply bright. When unsure which verb fits, this neutral one is the safe choice.
- 輝くかがやくgodan verb, intransitive verbShine with brilliant, dazzling intensity: to sparkle, glitter, or twinkle. Use it when the shining is strikingly bright and radiant, as with stars in the night sky.
- 磨くみがくgodan verb, transitive verbNot about light at all: this is really 'to polish' — to rub something until it shines. Its 'shine' sense is transitive, as in shining shoes or silver, not for light shining.
- 映えるはえるichidan verb, intransitive verbIts 'shine' is visual appeal: something glows with color or stands out beautifully against its surroundings, looking strikingly good rather than simply giving off light.
Use 「差す」 for light falling on a place, 「光る」 for the general shine of something bright, 「輝く」 for brilliant sparkling, 「磨く」 for making things shine by polishing, and 「映える」 for glowing or looking strikingly beautiful.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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