かすかに

adverb

faintly; slightly; barely

1. faintly; slightly; barely; dimly

To a very small degree, almost imperceptibly. Describes something that is just barely detectable by the senses or barely present.

かすかに音(おと)が聞(き)こえた。

I faintly heard a sound.

遠(とお)くでかすかに光(ひかり)が見(み)えた。

I could dimly see a light in the distance.

風(かぜ)に乗(の)って、花(はな)の香(かお)りがかすかに漂(ただよ)ってきた。

The scent of flowers drifted faintly on the breeze.

Usage

The adverbial form of the na-adjective かすか (微(かす)か). Used to describe barely perceptible sensory experiences — sounds, light, smells, touch, and memories.

Common collocations

かすかに聞(き)こえる (to be faintly audible)
かすかに見(み)える (to be dimly visible)
かすかに覚(おぼ)えている (to vaguely remember)
かすかに微笑(ほほえ)む (to smile faintly)
かすかな希望(きぼう) (a faint hope)

Similar words

わずかに: slightly — focuses on small quantity or degree
ほのかに: faintly — more literary, often for subtle warmth, light, or scent

Related Words

Related: 微(かす)か (faint (adjective form))

general

Added 2026.3.19 15:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

17500/17868_kasukani