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.
微かな音が聞こえた。
I heard a faint sound.
花の微かな香りがする。
There's a faint fragrance of flowers.
子供の頃の記憶が微かに残っている。
I have faint memories remaining from childhood.
Na-adjective. Used as 微かな + noun (modifier) or 微かに + verb (adverbial).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 微かな音: faint sound
- 微かな光: dim light
- 微かな香り: faint scent
- 微かな記憶: vague memory
- 微かな望み: faint hope
- 微かに微笑む: to smile faintly
NUANCE: 微か 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.