Japanese word

照らす

Pronunciation

Romajiterasu

Meaning

  • verbilluminate

Example

月が道を照らします。tsuki ga michi o te ra shi ma su

The moon illuminates the road.

Illustration for 照らす (illuminate)

More examples

懐中電灯で足元を照らして歩きます。kai chū den tō de ashi moto o te ra shi te aru ki ma su

I walk while lighting my way with a flashlight.

Core concept

Expresses directing light onto something so that it becomes bright against the darkness.

Common phrases

  • 道を照らすmichi o te ra su

    illuminate the road

  • 足元を照らすashi moto o te ra su

    light the way

Similar words

照明するshōmeisuru: To provide light for a place or area, usually with a lamp or other equipment.
照射するshōshasuru: To direct a beam or other strong source of light onto a particular object or surface.

Definition in Japanese

光が届くようにして、周囲や対象を明るくする。hikari ga todo ku yō ni shi te shū i ya tai shō o aka ru ku su ru

Word origin

照らす (terasu) is a native Japanese verb built from 照る (teru, "to shine") and す (su, "to make or cause"), giving it a causative sense.

Usage tips

  • Japanese uses 照らす (terasu) for light from the sun, moon, lamps, and other sources, so the verb fits both natural scenes and everyday actions.

Other meanings

  • shine onverb

Related words

  • 照らし方terashikataway of illuminatingnoun

Word lists with this word