Meaning

Primary

Moonlight

Alternative

Moonbeam

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The moon light is exactly what it sounds like: it's moonlight! This word can also refer to a moonbeam.

Reading

げっこう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, and the reading here changes from げつ to げっ, here's a mnemonic to help you remember how to read this one:

Legend has it that the moonlight brings out a creature known as the Geck (げっこう), an elusive species of gecko that shines in the moonlight. You've spent your whole life searching for this gecko. Now imagine spending yet another lonely night crawling around in the moonlit wilderness. Everyone thinks you're crazy, but you know you'll find that Geck someday!

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 月光のドライブ

    a drive in the moonlight

    月光の下

    in the moonlight

    月光のかがやき

    the brightness of moonlight

Context Sentences

夕べは、月光がとてもきれいでした。

The moonlight was very beautiful last night.

白い月光がカーテンから入ってくる。

White moonlight enters through the curtains.

月光の中に、月の王女がいた。

In the moonlight, there was a princess of the moon.

Kanji Composition