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.
Na-adjective, often written in kana (かすか). 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.