ライト
らいと
noun; adjective-na
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.
車のライトが切れたので交換した。
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たって、幻想的な雰囲気だった。
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.
ライトな読み物が好きだ。
I like light reading material.
彼はライトなファンだから詳しくはない。
He's a casual fan, so he doesn't know the details.
もっとライトな感じの小説を探しているんだけど、何かおすすめはある？
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 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
- ライトを消す: to turn off a light
- ライトアップ: illumination (of buildings, etc.)
Sense 2 (adjective):
- ライトな層: casual audience/consumers
- ライトなファン: casual fan
- ライトノベル: light novel (genre of popular fiction)