かすかに

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(おと)()こえた。
I faintly heard a sound.
(とお)くでかすかに(ひかり)()えた。
I could dimly see a light in the distance.
(かぜ)()って、(はな)(かお)りがかすかに(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 ((かす)か). Used to describe barely perceptible sensory experiences — sounds, light, smells, touch, and memories.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • かすかに()こえる (to be faintly audible)
  • かすかに()える (to be dimly visible)
  • かすかに(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