1.
to shine, to strike
For light to come in or fall upon something.
日が射す。
The sun shines in.
窓から光が射してきた。
Light came shining through the window.
雲の間から日が射して、森の中が明るくなった。
Sunlight shone through the gaps in the clouds, and the forest became bright.
KANJI DISTINCTION:
The verb さす has multiple kanji depending on meaning:
- 射す: to shine (light strikes/enters)
- 刺す: to stab, pierce
- 指す: to point at
- 差す: to hold up (umbrella), to pour
- 挿す: to insert
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 日が射す: sunlight shines in
- 光が射す: light shines through
- 西日が射す: afternoon sun shines in
USAGE NOTE:
射す describes light entering or falling on a surface. Often used in poetic or descriptive contexts about natural lighting.