What is the Kanji for "Bright"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Bright", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Bright" is "明".

This kanji has 4 readings:

Its kunyomi readings are "Aka" and "A".

Its onyomi readings are "Mei" and "Myou".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "日" means "Day" and "Sun" and can be read as "Jitsu", "Nichi", "Hi", and "Ka". And The kanji "月" means "Moon" and "Month" and can be read as "Tsuki", "Getsu", and "Gatsu".

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "明" mean in japanese?

"明" means "Bright".

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

明らか: "Clear". The Japanese adjective '明らか (あきらか)' means 'clear'. This adjective is used to describe something that is evident, obvious or apparent. It can be used to describe facts, statements, or situations that are unmistakable or unambiguous. For example: It is clear that it will rain today - (今日が雨が降るのは明らかだ). The answer is clearly wrong - (答えは明らかに間違っている).

明後日: "The day after tomorrow". The noun '明後日 (あさって)' refers to 'the day after tomorrow'. This is a specific term in Japanese to designate the day following the next day. It is commonly used when talking about plans or schedule. For example: I will visit my grandparents the day after tomorrow - (私は明後日、祖父母を訪ねます).

明日: "Tomorrow". The Japanese noun '明日 (あす)' refers to the day after today, or 'tomorrow'. It is commonly used to refer to future plans or events that will take place one day from the present. For example: I'm going to the park tomorrow - (明日公園に行きます). Tomorrow is my birthday - (明日は私の誕生日です).

説明: "Explanation". The Japanese verbal noun '説明 (せつめい)' means 'explanation'. This word is used to refer to the act of explaining, clarifying, or describing something in detail. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as giving a presentation, teaching a concept, or providing instructions. For example: The teacher gave a detailed explanation of the lesson - (先生はその授業の説明をくわしくした). I need an explanation for how this works - (これがどのように機能するのか説明が必要です).

明るい: "Bright". The Japanese adjective '明るい (あかるい)' means 'bright'. This adjective is used to describe things that emit or reflect a lot of light, such as the sun, a light bulb, or someone's smile. It can also be used to describe a positive mood or atmosphere. For example: The room is bright - (部屋は明るい). Her smile is bright - (彼女の笑顔は明るい).

明確: "Clear" or "Distinct". The adjectival noun '明確 (めいかく)' means 'clear' or 'distinct'. This word is used to describe something that is easy to perceive, understand or interpret without ambiguity or uncertainty. It can be used to describe ideas, concepts, instructions, or explanations. For example: The instructions were clear - (説明は明確だった). The company's mission is distinct - (会社の使命は明確だ).

文明: "Civilization". The Japanese noun '文明 (ぶんめい)' refers to a highly developed state of human social and cultural relations, usually characterized by progress in the arts, sciences, and technology. It describes an advanced stage of societal development, often considered to be superior to or more sophisticated than earlier or less developed states. This term can be used to describe the overall state of human development across the globe, or to refer to the specific cultural and technological achievements of a particular region or people. For example: The ancient Egyptian civilization - (古代エジプト文明). The rise of modern civilization - (文明の発展).

明け方: "Dawn". The noun '明け方 (あけがた)' refers to the period just before sunrise, when the sky begins to grow lighter. It describes the transitional time between night and day, right as the sun is rising over the horizon. This time of day is often associated with tranquility and new beginnings. For example: The birds were singing at the dawn - (鳥たちが明け方に歌っていた). She woke up just before dawn - (彼女は明け方ごろ目覚めた).

明々後日: "Day after tomorrow". The Japanese noun '明々後日 (しあさって)' means 'the day after tomorrow'. It refers to the day that is two days from the current day. This word is used to indicate a time period that is just a bit further in the future compared to 'tomorrow'. For example: I will see you the day after tomorrow - (明々後日お会いしましょう). We're meeting the day after tomorrow - (明々後日に会うことになっています).

明かり: "Light". The noun '明かり (あかり)' refers to light, as in illumination or a source of light. It can be used to describe natural light sources like the sun or moon, as well as artificial light sources like lamps or candles. For example: The light of the moon is beautiful - (月の明かりは美しい). I need to turn on the light - (明かりを点ける必要がある).

証明: "Proof". The Japanese verbal noun '証明 (しょうめい)' means 'proof'. It refers to evidence or documentation that confirms the veracity or existence of something. '証明' is often used in official or formal contexts, such as when providing proof of identity, qualifications, or the details of a transaction. For example: The passport is proof of my identity - (パスポートは私のアイデントの証明です). She provided proof of her claims - (彼女は彼女の主張の証明を提供しました).

透明: "Transparent" or "Clear". The Japanese adjectival noun '透明 (とうめい)' means 'transparent' or 'clear'. It is used to describe something that allows light to pass through without distortion, so that objects behind can be seen clearly. 透明 is often used to describe materials like glass, water, or plastic. For example: The window is transparent - (ガラスは透明だ). The water in the lake is clear - (湖の水は透明だ).

表明: "Statement". 表明 (ひょうめい)' is a Japanese noun that means 'statement'. It refers to a formal or official declaration or announcement made by an individual, organization, or government. This term is often used in political or business contexts to describe the public expression of one's position, views, or intentions. For example: The company issued a public statement on the new policy - (その会社は新しい方針について公式な表明を行った). The government made a statement condemning the actions - (政府はその行動を非難する表明をした).

明朝: "Ming dynasty". The Japanese noun '明朝 (みょうちょう)' refers to the Ming dynasty, which was the ruling imperial dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644 CE. It is used to describe elements related to this historical period, such as art, architecture, or cultural aspects that originated during the Ming dynasty. For example: The Ming dynasty vase was very valuable - (明朝の花瓶はとても価値があった).

夜明け: "Dawn". The noun '夜明け (よあけ)' refers to the time of day when the sky begins to brighten and daylight appears, marking the transition from night to day. It signifies the start of a new day. For example: The sunrise was beautiful this morning - (今朝の夜明けはきれいだった). She woke up before the dawn - (彼女は夜明けの前に起きた).

明白: "Obvious" or "Clear". The Japanese adjectival noun '明白 (めいはく)' means 'obvious' or 'clear'. It is used to describe something that is easy to perceive or understand, without any ambiguity. This word is often used to describe facts, evidence, or statements that are self-evident and indisputable. For example: The evidence is clear - (その証拠は明白だ). It's obvious that he is lying - (彼が嘘をついていることは明白だ).

不明: "Unclear". The Japanese term '不明 (ふめい)' is an adjectival noun that means 'unclear' or 'unknown'. It can be used to describe something that is uncertain, indistinct, or lacking in clarity. For example: I'm not sure about the details, it's unclear - (詳細は不明です). The cause of the incident remains unclear - (事故の原因は不明のままだ).

解明: "Elucidation". The noun '解明 (かいめい)' means 'elucidation'. It refers to the act of explaining, clarifying or revealing the underlying causes, principles or mechanisms of something that was previously not well understood. It implies the thorough investigation and understanding of a problem or mystery. For example: The scientists were able to elucidation the mystery of the ancient ruins - (科学者は、その古代遺跡の謎を解明することができた).

明ける: "Open". The Japanese verb '明ける (あける)' means 'to open'. This verb is used to describe the action of opening something, such as a door, window, or container. It can also be used to refer to the dawn or beginning of a new day. For example: The sun is rising and the day is breaking - (日が昇って朝が明ける). She opened the window - (彼女は窓を明けた).

発明: "Invention". The Japanese verbal noun '発明 (はつめい)' refers to the act of inventing or creating something new. It is used to describe the process of coming up with an original idea or device that did not previously exist. For example: His invention of the telephone was an important development - (彼の電話の発明は重要な発展であった). The invention of new technologies can improve our lives - (新しい技術の発明は私たちの生活を改善することができる).

打ち明ける: "Confess". The verb '打ち明ける (うちあける)' means 'to confess'. This verb is used to express the act of openly revealing something, typically a secret or personal information, to someone else. It conveys a feeling of sincerity and vulnerability. For example: I confessed my feelings to her - (私は彼女に心を打ち明けた). Let's confess everything to each other - (お互いにすべてを打ち明け合おう).

明治: "Meiji". The Japanese noun '明治 (めいじ)' refers to the Meiji period, a historical era in Japan that lasted from 1868 to 1912. This period was marked by significant political, social, and economic changes, as Japan rapidly modernized and transitioned from a feudal to a more centralized, industrialized state. The Meiji period is often considered a pivotal moment in Japan's history, as it laid the foundations for the country's transformation into a major world power. Examples: The Meiji Restoration began in 1868 - (明治維新は1868年に始まった). Meiji-era architecture can still be seen in many Japanese cities - (明治時代の建築物は今でも日本各地に残っている).

判明: "Clarification". The noun '判明 (はんめい)' means 'clarification'. It refers to the act of making something clear or evident, often through investigation or examination. This word is used when something that was previously unknown or uncertain becomes known or established. For example: The investigation clarified the cause of the accident - (事故の原因が判明しました). The true facts have been clarified - (真相が判明した).

明く: "To open". The Japanese verb '明く (あく)' means 'to open'. This verb is used to describe the action of opening something, such as a door, window, or other object. It can also be used for more abstract openings, such as the opening of a meeting or the start of a new day. For example: The door opened - (ドアが開いた). The shop opens at 9am - (この店は朝9時に開きます).

梅雨明け: "Rainy season ending". The Japanese verbal noun '梅雨明け (つゆあけ)' refers to the end of the rainy season, typically in early summer. It describes the transition from the rainy, humid weather of the 'tsuyu' (rainy season) to the drier, sunnier weather that follows. For example: The rainy season is finally ending - (梅雨明けがやっと来た). We can finally enjoy the summer now that the rainy season has ended - (梅雨明けになり、ついに夏を楽しめるようになった).

明瞭: "Clear". The Japanese adjectival noun '明瞭 (めいりょう)' means 'clear'. This word is used to describe something that is easy to perceive or understand, without ambiguity. It can be applied to visual elements, audio, or abstract ideas. For example: The instructions were clear - (説明は明瞭でした). The image is clear - (画像は明瞭です).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "め" is read as "me". The hiragana "い" is read as "i". The hiragana "み" is read as "mi". The hiragana "う" is read as "u". The hiragana "あ" is read as "a". And The hiragana "か" is read as "ka".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.