太陽 vs 日 – Japanese Words for Sun

There are two different Japanese words for Sun. They are 太陽たいよう and 日ひ. These two words mean the same thing and show up in most of the same situations. They are a little different though. Let’s see how.

https://japaneseuniverse.com/2024/02/18/pac-man-in-japaneseconcepts-behind-development-to-global-icon/

太陽

太陽 is the word for the sun that is probably closest to the English word. It refers to the Sun as something in space. It can also be used the same in English as a Sun rising or setting.

太陽が沈しずんだ
The Sun Sets

日

日 is the more general term for sun. However, at the same time, it means day or date also.

その日は忙いそがしい
I am busy on that day

日が沈んだ
The Sun Sets

太陽 vs 日 – What is the Difference?

太陽 and 日 mean the same thing but have a different nuance to them. 日 is commonly used in general, everyday compound words referring to the Sun, the date, or daytime.

日付 – How to say the Days of the Month in Japanese

This is a difference between 太陽 which means solar when used in compounds.

Compound Words with 日

• 日焼やけ – Sunburn
  
• 朝あさ日 – Morning Sun
  
• 日付づけ – Date
  
• 日の出で -Sunrise
• 日の入いり – Sunset
  
• 日よけ – Sunshade
  

Compound Words with 太陽

• 太陽系けい -Solar System
  
• 太陽電池でんち -Solar Battery
  
• 太陽年ねん -Solar Year
  
• 太陽熱ねつ – Solar Heat
  
• 太陽黒点こくてん -Sun Spot
  

Resources

• 太陽 – Weblio
• 日 –  Weblio