Translation guide
The English word "brilliance" can refer to intense brightness, exceptional intelligence, or outstanding skill. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing light that is very bright, shining strongly, or dazzling.
General term for radiance, brilliance, or glitter. Can be used for literal light or metaphorical brilliance (e.g., of a smile).
太陽の輝きがまぶしい。
The brilliance of the sun is dazzling.
彼女の笑顔には特別な輝きがある。
Her smile has a special brilliance.
Literary or formal term for brilliant light, often used in written descriptions.
ダイヤモンドの光輝に目を奪われた。
I was captivated by the brilliance of the diamond.
Sparkling or twinkling brilliance, often for stars, jewels, or eyes.
夜空の星の煌めきが美しい。
The brilliance of the stars in the night sky is beautiful.
Dazzling brightness that makes you squint; often for sunlight or headlights.
雪の眩さで目が痛い。
The brilliance of the snow hurts my eyes.
Referring to outstanding intellectual ability or creative genius.
General term for talent or gift. Often used with adjectives like 素晴らしい (wonderful) or 非凡な (extraordinary).
彼は数学に非凡な才能を発揮した。
He displayed brilliance in mathematics.
Genius; used for someone with extraordinary intellectual or creative brilliance.
Literally 'goodness of head', meaning intelligence or smartness. Casual way to refer to intellectual brilliance.
彼の頭の良さには驚かされる。
I'm amazed by his brilliance.
Excellence or superiority, often used in academic or professional contexts.
彼女の研究の優秀さは国際的に認められている。
The brilliance of her research is internationally recognized.
Describing a performance, work, or action that is exceptionally skillful or impressive.
Wonderfulness, splendor; a common way to express brilliance in a general sense of excellence.
彼の演奏の素晴らしさに感動した。
I was moved by the brilliance of his performance.
Admirable skill or splendidness, often for a performance or achievement.
その職人の技の見事さに息をのんだ。
I gasped at the brilliance of the craftsman's skill.
Exquisite skill or clever trick, often used in sports or arts.
The English word 'brilliance' covers many concepts. In Japanese, you must choose the word that matches the specific meaning: brightness, intelligence, or skill. Using 輝き for a person's intelligence would sound strange.
輝き is the most versatile for brightness. 光輝 is more formal and literary. 煌めき implies sparkling or twinkling, like stars or jewels.
そのダイヤモンドの輝きは息をのむほどだった。
The brilliance of the diamond was breathtaking.
彼女の数学の才能はよく知られている。
Her brilliance in mathematics is well known.
アインシュタインは天才だった。
Einstein was a man of brilliance.
The audience applauded the brilliance of his technique.