This is the 8126th most frequent Japanese word.


"射" means "to shoot" or "to radiate."


Here, 射 (shiru / iru) is used as a verb meaning 'to shoot' or 'to hit a target.' It describes the action of shooting a bow at a target.

彼は弓で的を射るのが得意だ。

He is good at shooting targets with a bow.


射 (sasu) here means 'to shine' or 'cast light.' It emphasizes the directional aspect of light spreading onto a specific area.

太陽が草原に光を射していた。

The sun was casting light over the grassland.


In this sentence, 射 (iru) is metaphorically used to mean 'to hit the mark,' suggesting precision or being correct in communication or context.

彼の話は的を射ていると思います。

I think his remarks hit the point.