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:

下水は環境に悪い影響を与える可能性があります。

Kasui wa kankyō ni warui eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Sewage can have a bad effect on the environment.

• 下水 (gesui) - wastewater
• 環境 (kankyo) - environment
• 悪い (warui) - bad
• 影響 (eikyo) - influence, effect
• 与える (ataeru) - cause, give
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• あります (arimasu) - there is, there is

不規則な生活は健康に悪影響を与える。

Fukisoku na seikatsu wa kenkou ni aku eikyou wo ataeru

An irregular lifestyle negatively affects health.

An irregular life has a negative effect on health.

• 不規則な - irregular
• 生活 - lifestyle
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 健康に - para saúde
• 悪影響を - negative impact
• 与える - dar

人影が見える。

Hito kage ga mieru

A human figure can be seen.

You can see the figure.

• 人影 - shadow person, that is, a human figure that can be seen, but not clearly identified.
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 見える - to see, to see through, to perceive. In this case, the verb is in the present tense and indicates that the shadow person can be seen.

化繊は環境に悪影響を与える可能性がある。

Kasen wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga aru

Synthetic fibers may have an adverse effect on the environment.

• 化繊 - abbreviation of "chemical fiber", refers to synthetic fabrics produced from chemical products.
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "化繊".
• 環境 - environment, environment.
• に - location particle, indicates that the negative impact is "in" the environment.
• 悪影響 - negative effect, harmful impact.
• を - direct object particle, indicates that the object of the action is "可能性 of having a negative impact on the environment".
• 与える - to cause, to have an effect on.
• 可能性 - possibility, probability.
• が - subject particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "可能性がある".
• ある - to exist, to have.

原料は製品の品質に大きく影響します。

Genryō wa seihin no hinshitsu ni ōkiku eikyō shimasu

The subjects have a significant effect on product quality.

• 原料 - raw material
• は - Topic particle
• 製品 - product
• の - Possession particle
• 品質 - quality
• に - target particle
• 大きく - greatly
• 影響します - influence

影響を受けた人々は多かったです。

Eikyou wo uketa hitobito wa ookatta desu

Many people have been affected.

• 影響を受けた人々は多かったです。
• 影響 - influence
• を - direct object particle
• 受けた - received
• 人々 - people
• は - Topic particle
• 多かった - there were many
• です - is (politeness)

放射能は環境に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Hōshanō wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Radioactivity can have an adverse effect on the environment.

• 放射能 - Radiation
• は - Topic marking particle
• 環境 - environment
• に - Destination marking particle
• 悪影響 - negative effect
• を - object marker particle
• 与える - cause
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject marking particle
• あります - exists

空気が悪いと健康に悪影響がある。

Kuuki ga warui to kenkou ni aku eikyou ga aru

Poor air quality has a negative impact on health.

Poor air has a negative effect on health.

• 空気 (kuuki) - 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.
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 悪い (warui) - bad
• と (to) - I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.
• 健康 (kenkou) - health
• に (ni) - target particle
• 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect
• が (ga) - subject particle
• ある (aru) - exists