Learn Japanese Kanji - Aesthetic Guide

Lesson 12: 光 (Light)

Radicals in 光

The kanji 光 (hikari, meaning "light") is a character that radiates brightness and clarity. While it is often considered its own radical in some contexts, it can be broken down into components that evoke its luminous nature.

⺈ (Small Flame): The top part resembles a small flame or spark, not a standalone radical but suggesting a source of light or brilliance.
儿 (Legs Radical): The bottom part, Radical 10, means "legs" or "human," possibly symbolizing light as something that guides or moves with people.

Visually, 光 combines a flickering spark (⺈) with a human presence (儿), depicting light as a guiding, illuminating force—an elegant representation of its role in the world. Fun fact: Its simple yet evocative design mirrors light’s dual nature as both a physical phenomenon and a symbol of hope or wisdom.

Examples of 光 in Use

Here are some common words and phrases using 光:

光 (hikari)

Meaning: Light

Hiragana: ひかり

Example: 光が眩しい。
(Hikari ga mabushii.)
"The light is dazzling."

光線 (kōsen)

Meaning: Ray of light

Hiragana: こうせん

Example: 光線が射す。
(Kōsen ga sasu.)
"A ray of light shines."

日光 (nikkō)

Meaning: Sunlight

Hiragana: にっこう

Example: 日光が暖かい。
(Nikkō ga atatakai.)
"The sunlight is warm."

月光 (gekkō)

Meaning: Moonlight

Hiragana: げっこう

Example: 月光が美しい。
(Gekkō ga utsukushii.)
"The moonlight is beautiful."

光る (hikaru)

Meaning: To shine / Glow

Hiragana: ひかる

Example: 星が光る。
(Hoshi ga hikaru.)
"The stars shine."

観光 (kankō)

Meaning: Sightseeing

Hiragana: かんこう

Example: 観光を楽しむ。
(Kankō o tanoshimu.)
"I enjoy sightseeing."

光沢 (kōtaku)

Meaning: Gloss / Luster

Hiragana: こうたく

Example: 光沢のある革だ。
(Kōtaku no aru kawa da.)
"It’s glossy leather."

栄光 (eikō)

Meaning: Glory / Honor

Hiragana: えいこう

Example: 栄光を勝ち取る。
(Eikō o kachitoru.)
"I win glory."

光景 (kōkei)

Meaning: Scene / Spectacle

Hiragana: こうけい

Example: 素晴らしい光景だ。
(Subarashii kōkei da.)
"It’s a wonderful scene."

希望の光 (kibō no hikari)

Meaning: Light of hope

Hiragana: きぼうのひかり

Example: 希望の光が見える。
(Kibō no hikari ga mieru.)
"I see the light of hope."

The kanji 光 captures the radiant essence of light, illuminating both the physical world and metaphorical ideals like hope and glory.