Translation guide
The light of the moon. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 月光 (げっこう), but there are also poetic and descriptive alternatives. The word can also be used as a verb meaning to work a second job, especially at night, which has its own set of expressions.
The natural light that comes from the moon at night.
The standard, neutral word for moonlight. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
To have a second job, especially one done secretly or at night, in addition to one's regular employment.
The most common and neutral way to say 'to have a side job' or 'to moonlight'. It doesn't necessarily imply secrecy.
彼は副業としてウェブデザインをしている。
He moonlights as a web designer.
All three can be translated as 'moonlight', but they differ slightly in nuance. 月光 (げっこう) is the most standard and neutral term, suitable for both speech and writing. 月明かり (つきあかり) is more descriptive and often used in literary or poetic contexts, emphasizing the brightness. 月の光 (つきのひかり) is a literal phrase that can be used in everyday conversation but sounds a bit more explanatory. For most situations, 月光 is the safest choice.
The English verb 'to moonlight' does not have a direct single-word equivalent in Japanese. Avoid literal translations like 月光する. Instead, use phrases like 副業をする or 内緒でアルバイトをする depending on the nuance.
月光が湖面に映っていた。
The moonlight was reflected on the lake's surface.
今夜は月光が美しい。
The moonlight is beautiful tonight.
Literally 'moonlight', often used in more descriptive or literary contexts. Slightly more poetic than 月光.
月明かりの下を散歩した。
We took a walk under the moonlight.
A more literal phrase meaning 'light of the moon'. It can be used in everyday speech but is slightly more explanatory.
月の光が部屋の中に差し込んでいた。
Moonlight was streaming into the room.
A poetic or literary term for moonlight, often implying the silhouette or shadow cast by the moon. Rare in conversation.
月影が庭を照らしていた。
The moonlight illuminated the garden.
Literally 'to do a part-time job secretly'. This captures the clandestine nuance often associated with 'moonlighting'.
会社にばれないように内緒でアルバイトをしている。
I'm moonlighting on the side without my company knowing.
A loanword from English 'double work', meaning to hold two jobs. Common in casual contexts.
生活費のためにダブルワークをしている。
I'm moonlighting to cover living expenses.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to do another job at night'. It's straightforward but less idiomatic.
彼は昼間は会社員で、夜に別の仕事をしている。
He works as an office worker during the day and moonlights at night.