ライト

らいと
noun, na-adjective
light (illumination); light (casual, lightweight)
1. light; lamp; illumination
A light or lamp, especially one used for illumination in practical contexts like car headlights, stage lights, or flashlights.
ライトをつけて。
Turn on the light.
車(くるま)のライトが切(き)れたので交換(こうかん)した。
The car's headlight burned out, so I replaced it.
ステージにカラフルなライトが当(あ)たって、幻想的(げんそうてき)な雰囲気(ふんいき)だった。
Colorful lights shone on the stage, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
2. light; lightweight; casual; not hardcore
Used as a な-adjective to describe something that is casual, not serious, easy to approach, or not deeply committed. Common in describing casual fans, light reading, or reduced-calorie versions of food and drink.
ライトな読(よ)み物(もの)が好(す)きだ。
I like light reading material.
彼(かれ)はライトなファンだから詳(くわ)しくはない。
He's a casual fan, so he doesn't know the details.
もっとライトな感(かん)じの小説(しょうせつ)を探(さが)しているんだけど、何(なに)かおすすめはある？
I'm looking for a novel that's more lighthearted — do you have any recommendations?

Usage

From English "light." Two distinct senses: the noun (illumination device) and the adjective (casual/lightweight). The adjective usage is very common in modern Japanese, particularly in fan culture and marketing.

Adjective usage

As a な-adjective, ライトな describes a casual or light approach. ライトな層(そう) refers to casual consumers or fans, as opposed to hardcore or dedicated ones. This usage is widespread in marketing and media.

Common collocations

Sense 1 (noun):

  • ライトをつける: to turn on a light
  • ライトを消(け)す: to turn off a light
  • ライトアップ: illumination (of buildings, etc.)

Sense 2 (adjective):

  • ライトな層(そう): casual audience/consumers
  • ライトなファン: casual fan
  • ライトノベル: light novel (genre of popular fiction)

Related Words

Compare: 電灯(でんとう) (electric light)
general
Added 2026.2.26 19:38 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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