Translation and Meaning of: 光景 - koukei

The Japanese word 光景[こうけい] carries a rich and visual meaning, often used to describe scenes or landscapes that impress with their beauty or uniqueness. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and use in everyday Japanese, as well as tips for memorizing the term correctly. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding words like 光景 can enrich your vocabulary and your perception of Japanese culture.

Meaning and use of 光景

Kōkei (光景) is a word composed of the kanji 光 (light) and 景 (scenery), forming a term that can be translated as "view," "panorama," or "scene." It is used to describe striking images, such as a landscape illuminated by the sunset or a unique moment captured in a photograph. Unlike more generic words like keshiki (景色), which refers to natural scenery, kōkei has a more poetic and subjective tone.

In Japan, this word appears in contexts that value aesthetics, such as in descriptions of travels, artworks, or even emotional accounts. For example, a Japanese person might say "忘れられない光景" (an unforgettable scene) to refer to a moment that marked them visually and emotionally.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 光景 comes from the combination of the kanji 光 (light, brightness) and 景 (view, scene). The first character, 光, is often associated with clarity and illumination, while 景 appears in words related to landscapes, such as 風景 [ふうけい]. Together, they reinforce the idea of a scene that stands out visually, whether due to its luminosity, composition, or emotional impact.

It is worth noting that 光景 is not an ancient or rare word – it is present in modern Japanese and is used both in everyday speech and in literary texts. Its kanji structure also makes it easier to memorize, as the components are common and appear in other essential vocabularies for language students.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 光景 is to associate it with striking images. Think of scenes that caught your attention, like a starry sky or a street decorated for festivals, and try to describe them using this word. Another strategy is to create flashcards with sentences like "その光景は美しかった" (that scene was beautiful) to practice using it in real contexts.

In addition, pay attention to the tone of the word: 光景 is not used for everyday situations, but rather for moments that stand out. Avoid applying it to trivial scenes or those without visual impact, as this would sound odd to a native speaker. Over time, you will develop a natural intuition about when and how to use it.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 景色 (Keshiki) - View, landscape.
• 風景 (Fūkei) - Landscape, natural scenery.
• 光景 (Kōkei) - Vision, scene, generally impressive.
• 眺め (Nagame) - View, panorama, observation of a scene.
• 見物 (Kenbutsu) - Visit interesting places, tourism.
• 光景色 (Kōkeishiki) - Scene color, visual aspect of a view.
• 光景観 (Kōkeikan) - Visual perception of a scene.
• 光景展望 (Kōkeitenbō) - Panoramic view of a scene.
• 光景眺望 (Kōkeinagame) - Broad observation of a scene.
• 光景展望台 (Kōkeitenbōdai) - Observation point of a beautiful scene.
• 光景展望所 (Kōkeitenbōsho) - Place for a panoramic view.
• 光景展望室 (Kōkeitenbōshitsu) - Scene Observation Room.
• 光景展望スポット (Kōkeitenbōsupotto) - Point of interest for views.

光景

Romaji: koukei
Kana: こうけい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: scene; show

Meaning in English: scene;spectacle

Definition: Landscapes and features that visibly spread.

Example Sentences - (光景) koukei

See below some example sentences:

この光景は美しいです。

Kono koukei wa utsukushii desu

This scene is beautiful.

This view is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 光景 - noun that means "scene" or "landscape"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and that the scene is beautiful

見苦しい光景を目にするのは嫌だ。

Mikurushii koukei wo me ni suru no wa iya da

I don't want to see an ugly view.

• 見苦しい - an adjective that means "ugly" or "unpleasant to look at"
• 光景 - noun that means "scene" or "panorama"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 目にする - verb that means "see" or "witness"
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 嫌だ - expression that means "hate" or "dislike"