How do you say "It lights briefly." in Japanese?

"It lights briefly." in Japanese is "少しだけついて、". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘It lights briefly.’ in Japanese

Q: What does "少しだけついて、" mean in English?

"少しだけついて、" means "It lights briefly." in English. Usage tip: [ついて] is the linking form of [つく] "to come on." This form is often used for "and then...," as in [ドアが開いて、入る] "the door opens, and then I go in."

少しだけついて、

sukoshi dake tsui te

[sukoshi dake tsui te]

💬 Usage Tip: [ついて] is the linking form of [つく] "to come on." This form is often used for "and then...," as in [ドアが開いて、入る] "the door opens, and then I go in."

Phrase Breakdown

少し

sukoshi

[sukoshi]

a little; a bit

Means a small amount. Here it describes the degree: only a little.

Example

インクが少しだけついて、困りました。

Only a little ink got on it, and that was a problem.

だけ

dake

[dake]

only; just

Limits the amount, giving the sense of just or only.

Example

汚れが少しだけついて、見えます。

A little bit of dirt is on it, and you can see it.

ついて、

tsui te

turning on; lighting up, and...

Describes something briefly coming on or lighting up, then continues the sentence.

Example

電気がついて、部屋が明るいです。

The lights are on, and the room is bright.

Words in this phrase

つい

tsui

[tsui]

to attach; to turn on

From つく. In this context it often means something got attached or switched on.

Example

ペンキがついて、取れません。

Paint got on it, and it won't come off.

て

[te]

te-form ending

Used to connect one action or state to the next.

Example

少しだけついて、すぐ消えました。

It came on just a little, and then quickly disappeared.

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