Japanese word

影

Pronunciation

Romajikage

Meaning

  • nounshadow

Example

夕方、私の影が長くなります。yū gata watashi no kage ga naga ku na ri ma su

In the evening, my shadow grows longer.

Illustration for 影 (shadow)

More examples

街灯の下で、二人の影が重なっています。gai tō no moto de futa ri no kage ga kasa na tte i ma su

Under the streetlight, the two shadows overlap.

Core concept

Refers to the dark form that appears when an object blocks light, including the form that follows a person.

Common phrases

  • 影が伸びるkage ga no bi ru

    a shadow grows longer

  • 影を落とすkage o o to su

    cast a shadow

  • 影が重なるkage ga kasa na ru

    shadows overlap

Similar words

陰kage: A dark area formed where direct light does not reach, including a shaded place.
シルエットshiruetto: The clear dark shape of a person or object viewed against a light background.

Definition in Japanese

光を遮る物の後ろにできる暗い形や部分。hikari o saegi ru mono no ushi ro ni de ki ru kura i katachi ya bu bun

Word origin

The native word 影 (kage, "shadow") has been used since early Japanese for a shadow, visible form, or reflection; the modern meaning focuses on the dark form produced when an object blocks light.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 影 (kage, "shadow") can describe a person's presence, as in 影が薄い (kage ga usui) for someone who is rarely noticed.

Word lists with this word