1.
light, ray
The natural agent that makes things visible; brightness from the sun, a lamp, etc.
太陽の光が眩しい。
The sunlight is dazzling.
光が見えてきた。
A light became visible. / I can see hope.
Can be literal or figurative
光の速さ
the speed of light
部屋に光が差し込んでいる。
Light is streaming into the room.
星の光がきれいです。
The starlight is beautiful.
2.
hope, bright future
Used metaphorically to represent hope or a positive outlook.
光が見えてきた。
A light became visible. / I can see hope.
Can be literal or figurative
希望の光
a ray of hope
Metaphorical usage
彼は私の光です。
He is my light (my hope).
未来に光を見る。
To see hope in the future.
暗い時代にも光はある。
There is hope even in dark times.
彼女の言葉は私に光を与えてくれた。
Her words gave me hope.
光 refers to light in both literal and figurative senses.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 太陽の光: sunlight
- 月の光: moonlight
- 光が当たる: light shines on
- 光を放つ: to emit light
- 希望の光: ray of hope
RELATED TERMS:
- 光る: to shine (verb)
- 明るい: bright
- 輝く: to sparkle
- 日光: sunlight
Note: ひかり is also the name of a Shinkansen line and train series.