This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

Reading

Kana: ほの
Romaji: hono
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

slight; dim; faint

Note: word usually written using kana alone
See also: 仄か (reading ほのか, entry #1)

Kanji

Readings: ソク、 ほの.か、 ほの-、 ほの.めかす、 ほの.めく、 かたむ.く
Meanings: be seen dimly, suggest, intimate, faint, stupid, hint

Example Sentences

暗闇(くらやみ)(なか)にほのかな(ひかり)()えた。
➥We saw a dim light in the darkness.
Full Entry➤
このところほのかな不安感(ふあんかん)がある。
➥I've had a vague uneasiness.
Full Entry➤
講演者(こうえんしゃ)政界(せいかい)腐敗(ふはい)をほのめかした。
➥The speaker hinted at corruption in the political world.
Full Entry➤
遠方(えんぽう)にほの(しろ)灯台(とうだい)()っていた。
➥In the distance there stood a dimly white lighthouse.
Full Entry➤
我々(われわれ)はほのかな期待(きたい)()って()った。
➥We waited with a faint expectation.
Full Entry➤
彼女(かのじょ)はほのかな恋心(こいごころ)()るようになる。
➥She has come to know something like love.
Full Entry➤
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