Word details

冴える

Meanings, readings, and example sentences for the Japanese word 冴える.

Dictionary

Entry

冴える冱えるIntransitiveIchidan verbFreq #7614
1

to be clear (of a sight, sound, colour, etc.); to be bright; to be vivid; to be crisp

Examples
満月が空にさえている
A full moon is shining bright in the sky.
2

to be clear-headed; to be alert; to be on the ball; to be wide awake

Examples
昨日ゆっくり休んだ分、今日は頭が冴えている
I feel smart today, to a degree that is in proportion to the amount of good rest I had yesterday.
3

Often as 冴えない

to look upbeat; to be perky; to be cheerful

4

to master (a skill); to excel at; to cleanly execute

5

Often as 冴えない

to be satisfying

6

Original meaning; now somewhat old-fashioned

to become frigid; to become intensely cold

Character notes

Kanji in this Word

be clear, serene, cold, skilful

7 strokesFrequency 2,341JLPT N1Grade 9

On

Kun

さ.えるこお.るひ.える

Nanori

さえさえる

freeze, be cold, be clear, attain skill

6 strokes

On

Kun

さ.えるこお.るひ.える

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