Translation and Meaning of: 影 - kage

The Japanese word 影 [かげ] carries deep meanings and various uses in daily life in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your cultural and linguistic knowledge. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 影 is used, as well as practical tips for memorization.

Meaning and translation of 影 [かげ]

In its most basic form, 影 means "shadow" or "silhouette." This word is often used to describe the dark projection formed when an object blocks light. However, its meaning goes beyond the literal sense, as it can represent something abstract, such as an indirect presence or a hidden influence.

In Portuguese, the most common translation is "shadow," but depending on the context, it can also be interpreted as "reflection" or "trace." For example, in expressions like 影が薄い (かげがうすい), which means "to have a discreet presence," the word takes on a more metaphorical tone.

Origin and writing of the kanji 影

The kanji 影 is composed of two main elements: 景 (kei), which refers to a scene or landscape, and 彡 (san), a radical that represents patterns or shadows. This combination suggests the idea of a projected image, whether as a shadow or reflection. The origin of the character dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already carried similar meanings.

It's worth highlighting that 影 is not one of the most complex kanji, but its pronunciation can vary in compounds. While かげ is the most common reading, in words like 影響 (えいきょう – "influence"), it adopts an on'yomi reading. This type of variation is common in Japanese and emphasizes the importance of studying kanji in context.

Cultural use and frequency in Japanese

In Japan, 影 is not just a common word, but also a concept present in artistic expressions and folklore. It appears in traditional tales, such as those involving games of light and shadow, and even in modern narratives, like animes and mangas, where it often symbolizes the hidden side of something or someone.

In terms of frequency, 影 is not among the most commonly used words in daily life, but it is common enough to be recognized by native speakers. Its metaphorical use, especially in literature and deeper conversations, makes it a valuable word for those wishing to master the nuances of the language.

Tips to memorize 影 [かげ]

An effective way to remember 影 is to associate it with concrete images. Think of situations where the shadow is evident, like a sunny day or a pole casting its silhouette on the ground. Creating this type of visual connection helps to consolidate the meaning in memory.

Another tip is to practice with simple phrases, such as 木の影 (きのかげ – "shadow of the tree") or 影が伸びる (かげがのびる – "the shadow stretches"). Repeating these constructions aloud or writing them on flashcards can speed up learning. If you use apps like Anki, including practical examples in your deck is a great strategy.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 陰 (in) - Shadows, darkness
• かげ (kage) - Shadows, reflection
• かげり (kageri) - Shadows, darkness (suggestion of something obscured)
• えい (ei) - Brightness, light (usually used in lighting contexts)
• えいが (eiga) - Movie, cinema
• えいきょう (eikyou) - Influence (either positive or negative)
• えいよう (eiyou) - Nutrient, nutrition
• かげおとし (kageotoshi) - Publish a shadow (as a metaphor)
• かげおとす (kageotosu) - To leave someone in the background (or aside)
• かげおろす (kageorosu) - To lift the burden (to take the weight of something off someone)
• かげかざり (kagekazari) - Shadow decoration (usually at parties or venues)
• かげがら (kagegara) - Objects or shadow drawings
• かげがわ (kagegawa) - Shadow edge (areas that are in shade)
• かげぎわ (kagegiwa) - Rays of light in the shadow (interaction between light and shadow)
• かげくずし (kagekuzushi) - Destruction of the shadow (overcoming negative influences)
• かげさす (kagesasu) - Provide shade (like a shelter or protection)
• かげしょうじ (kageshouji) - Dividing the shadow (usually in artistic contexts)
• かげじ (kageji) - Element or condition that causes shade
• かげたたえる (kagetataeru) - Praise the shadows (metaphor for valuing the hidden)
• かげたたき (kagetataki) - Attack the shadows (confront hidden challenges)
• かげたち (kagetachi) - Creation of shadows (generation or formation of shadows)
• かげたどる (kagedadoru) - Follow the shadow (pursue an invisible goal)
• かげちょうじょう (kagechoujou) - Elevation of shadow (connection between influence and recognition)
• かげつくり (kagetsukuri) - Creation of a shadow (usually in design or art)
• かげつける (kagetsukeru) - To cast a shadow on something (to subtly influence something)
• かげつづき (kagetsuzuki) - Continuation of the shadow (perpetuation of influences)
• かげつづ (kagetsudu) - Persistence of shadows (difficulty in leaving influences behind)

影

Romaji: kage
Kana: かげ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: shadow; opposite side

Meaning in English: shade;shadow;other side

Definition: A dark area around an object.

Example Sentences - (影) kage

See below some example sentences:

莫大な影響を与える

bakudai na eikyou wo ataeru

cause a big impact.

Has a huge impact

• 莫大な - big, vast, enormous
• 影響 - influence, effect, impact
• を - direct object particle
• 与える - give, grant, provide

乾燥した空気は肌に悪い影響を与えます。

Kansō shita kūki wa hada ni warui eikyō o ataemasu

Dry air can have a negative effect on the skin.

Dry air has a bad effect on the skin.

• 乾燥した - dry
• 空気 - I'm sorry, but there seems to be no text provided for translation. Please share the content you'd like translated from Portuguese to English.
• 肌 - pele
• 悪い - bad
• 影響 - influence
• 与えます - cause

過労は健康に悪影響を与える可能性がある。

Karō wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga aru

Overworking can have a negative impact on health.

• 過労 - excessive fatigue
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• に - target particle
• 悪影響 - negative effect
• を - object particle
• 与える - cause
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

過剰な消費は地球環境に悪影響を与える。

Kajō na shōhi wa chikyū kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru

Excess consumption has a negative impact on the Earth's environment.

Excess consumption has a negative effect on the global environment.

• 過剰な消費 - excess consumption
• は - Article indicating the subject/topic of the sentence
• 地球環境 - global environment
• に - particle indicating the indirect object of the sentence
• 悪影響 - negative impact
• を - article indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 与える - dar, causar

過多な食べ物は健康に悪影響を与えます。

Kata na tabemono wa kenkou ni aku eikyou wo ataemasu

Excessive food intake has a negative impact on health.

Overeating has a negative effect on health.

• 過多な - excessive
• 食べ物 - food
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• に - target particle
• 悪影響 - negative effect
• を - object particle
• 与えます - cause

間接的な影響は大きいです。

Kansetsuteki na eikyou wa ookii desu

The indirect impact is great.

• 間接的な - adjective meaning "indirect"
• 影響 - noun meaning "influence"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大きい - adjective meaning "big"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

鉱業は地球環境に影響を与える重要な産業です。

Kougyou wa chikyuu kankyou ni eikyou wo ataeru juuyou na sangyou desu

Mining is an important industry that affects the environment of the earth.

Mining is an important industry that affects the global environment.

• 鉱業 - mining industry
• は - Topic particle
• 地球環境 - Earth's environment
• に - target particle
• 影響を与える - make an impact
• 重要な - important
• 産業 - industry
• です - Verb to be/estar

躾は子供の将来に大きな影響を与えます。

Shitsuke wa kodomo no shourai ni ookina eikyou wo ataemasu

Discipline has a big impact on children's future.

Discipline has a significant impact on a child's future.

• 躾 (しつけ) - discipline, education
• 子供 (こども) - child
• 将来 (しょうらい) - future
• 大きな (おおきな) - large
• 影響 (えいきょう) - influence
• 与えます (あたえます) - give, grant

通貨は国の経済に大きな影響を与えます。

Tsūka wa kuni no keizai ni ōkina eikyō o ataemasu

The currency has a significant impact on a country's economy.

The currency has a significant impact on the national economy.

• 通貨 - means "coin" in Japanese.
• 国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
• 経済 - means "economy" in Japanese.
• 大きな - means "big" in Japanese.
• 影響 - means "impact" in Japanese.
• 与えます - means "to give" in Japanese, but in this context it can be translated as "to have" or "to exercise".

色彩は人々の感情に影響を与える。

Shikisai wa hitobito no kanjou ni eikyou wo ataeru

Colors have an impact on people's emotions.

Colors affect people's emotions.

• 色彩 (shikisai) - means "colors"
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 人々 (hitobito) - means "people"
• の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 感情 (kanjou) - means "emotions"
• に (ni) - grammatical particle that indicates action or destiny
• 影響 (eikyou) - means "influence"
• を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 与える (ataeru) - means "give, grant"