(かす)

かすか
na-adjective
faint; slight; dim
1. faint, slight, dim, barely perceptible
Describes something that can barely be perceived by the senses — a faint sound, a slight smell, a dim light, or a vague memory.
(かす)かな(おと)()こえた。
I heard a faint sound.
(はな)(かす)かな(かお)りがする。
There's a faint fragrance of flowers.
子供(こども)(ころ)記憶(きおく)(かす)かに(のこ)っている。
I have faint memories remaining from childhood.

Na-adjective. Used as (かす)かな + noun (modifier) or (かす)かに + verb (adverbial).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (かす)かな(おと): faint sound
  • (かす)かな(ひかり): dim light
  • (かす)かな(かお)り: faint scent
  • (かす)かな記憶(きおく): vague memory
  • (かす)かな(のぞ)み: faint hope
  • (かす)かに微笑(ほほえ)む: to smile faintly

NUANCE: (かす)か emphasizes that something is barely detectable. It conveys subtlety and delicacy, and is used across all senses — hearing, sight, smell, taste, and even abstract things like hope or memory.