# Komorebi

/koʊmoʊˈɹɛbi/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/komorebi
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

the beautiful sight of sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees. It describes the specific pattern of light and shadow created by the forest canopy.

For teachers: the visual effect of sunlight filtering through the foliage of trees, creating a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the ground.

## Examples

- We sat in the park enjoying the komorebi on the grass.
- As the hikers entered the dense forest, they were greeted by the soft glow of komorebi dancing on the mossy floor.
- The photographer spent hours trying to capture the ethereal quality of komorebi, noting how the shifting wind constantly altered the geometry of the light beams.

## Synonyms

dappling

## Usage notes

- A loanword from Japanese; typically used in literary or nature-focused contexts to describe a specific aesthetic experience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.