How to say "sparkle" in Japanese

• 輝くかがやくJLPT N3approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers the literal sense of sparkle: something giving off bright light, such as stars, jewels, water, or eyes sparkling with delight. It also means to shine or glitter more generally.
  空そらには太陽たいようが輝かがやいています。↗

  The sun is shining in the sky.
• ひらめくCommon
  godan verb, intransitive verbFor 'sparkle' in the sense of steady glitter, this is seldom the word you want: it describes a sudden flash or flicker of light, most typically lightning. Usually written in kana alone.

Use 「輝く」 for things that shine or sparkle with light, such as stars, jewels, or bright eyes; use 「ひらめく」 only for a sudden flash or flicker of light, as of lightning, not for steady sparkling.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 輝くかがやくto shine
• ひらめくto flash (e.g. lightning)
• きらめくto glitter
• きらめきglitter
• ピカピカ光るピカピカひかるto sparkle
• スパークルsparkle
• 玉散るたまちるto sparkle
• さざめくto shimmer