King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “brighten”

Romaji: kagayakasu
to light up; to brighten

In Japanese, brighten is , read (kagayakasu).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

  1. v5s, vt to light up; to brighten

Written forms: . Readings: .

Kanji and stroke order

radiance, shine, sparkle
on: キ
kun: かがや.く
15 strokes · JLPT 1

Other Japanese words for “brighten”

WordReadingMeaning
あかるむ akarumuto brighten; to grow light
いろめく iromekuto colour; to color; to be tinged

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
かがやき kagayakibrightness; brilliance; brilliancy
かがやかしい kagayakashiibrilliant; glorious; glittering
ひかりかがやく hikarikagayakuto shine; to glitter
かがやく kagayakuto shine; to sparkle; to twinkle
きど kidobrightness; luminance
こうき koukibrightness; splendour; splendor

Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.

Last posts

  1. Choosing a Bokken for Koryu Practice by School Requirements
  2. Choosing a Bokken Tsuba and Stopper Set for Training
  3. Cotton vs Polyester Hakama Which Is Easier to Maintain
  4. Choosing Your First Bokken for Serious Samurai Training
  5. Are Engraved Bokken Good Gifts and Can You Train With Them
  6. Best Wooden Naginata for Practice and How to Choose Yours
  7. Choosing a Keikogi for Hakama Compatibility and Performance
  8. What Size Hakama Should I Order for Proper Fit
  9. Best Aikido Hakama for Beginners Choosing Your First Pair
  10. Kendo Bogu Costs and Timing Your First Purchase