天亮了。
Getting light.
Literally: Sky bright [particle for change of state]
Use it to mark the arrival of morning or the end of a difficult period.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'the sky has become bright'.
- Used to announce dawn or the end of a long night.
- Commonly used in daily life and social games like Werewolf.
Meaning
This phrase literally means the sun is coming up and the sky is bright. You use it to announce that morning has arrived or that a long night is finally over.
Key Examples
3 of 6Waking up a roommate
快起床，天亮了！
Get up quickly, it's light out!
After pulling an all-nighter studying
终于天亮了，我好困。
Finally, it's light; I'm so sleepy.
Playing the game 'Werewolf'
天亮了，昨天晚上是平安夜。
It's morning; last night was a peaceful night.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, dawn represents the 'Yang' energy rising. It is the time for 'Chen Lian' (morning exercise) in parks. The phrase also gained massive Gen-Z popularity through the social deduction game 'Werewolf', where it signals the end of the 'night' phase.
The 'Change' Particle
Always include the `了` (le). Without it, `天亮` just means 'bright sky' as a description, not the event of it becoming morning.
The Werewolf Connection
If you say this in a group of young Chinese people, someone might jokingly pretend to be 'dead' because of the popular game 'Werewolf' (狼人杀).
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'the sky has become bright'.
- Used to announce dawn or the end of a long night.
- Commonly used in daily life and social games like Werewolf.
What It Means
天亮了 is a simple way to say 'it is dawn.' The word 天 means sky. 亮 means bright. The 了 at the end is the magic part. It shows a change has happened. It wasn't light before, but now it is. It feels fresh and full of new beginnings.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. Just look out the window and say it. You can also add it to other thoughts. For example, 'It's light, let's get up.' It is very flexible. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just the three words will do the trick.
When To Use It
Use it when you wake up with your partner. Use it when you've stayed up all night gaming. It's perfect for that moment the sun hits your face. You can also use it metaphorically. If a difficult situation finally ends, you might say it. It's like saying 'the dark times are over.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the sun is already high. That would be 中午 (noon). Don't use it in a pitch-black room at midnight. People will think you are dreaming. Also, avoid using it in very formal business reports. It is a bit too poetic or casual for a spreadsheet.
Cultural Background
In China, the morning is highly valued. There is a saying that the whole day depends on the morning. 天亮了 often carries a sense of hope. In pop culture, it's a famous line from 'The Werewolves' party game. When the narrator says it, everyone opens their eyes to see who survived the night. It’s a moment of high tension and relief!
Common Variations
You might hear 天快亮了. This means 'it's almost light.' Or 等天亮. This means 'waiting for dawn.' If you want to be more descriptive, you can say 大天亮了. This means it is fully, brightly daylight. Each one changes the timing just a little bit.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, everyday expression. The most important thing is the `了` particle, which indicates the transition from night to day. It is widely understood across all regions of China.
The 'Change' Particle
Always include the `了` (le). Without it, `天亮` just means 'bright sky' as a description, not the event of it becoming morning.
The Werewolf Connection
If you say this in a group of young Chinese people, someone might jokingly pretend to be 'dead' because of the popular game 'Werewolf' (狼人杀).
Not for 'Light Bulbs'
Only use this for the sky. If you turn on a lamp, don't say `天亮了`. Say `灯亮了` (The light is on).
Examples
6快起床，天亮了！
Get up quickly, it's light out!
A very common way to nudge someone out of bed.
终于天亮了，我好困。
Finally, it's light; I'm so sleepy.
Expresses the realization that you've been up all night.
天亮了，昨天晚上是平安夜。
It's morning; last night was a peaceful night.
Standard phrase used by the game moderator.
你看，天亮了，真美。
Look, it's getting light, it's truly beautiful.
Used to appreciate the aesthetic of dawn.
天亮了，太阳公公出来了。
It's light, Grandpa Sun has come out.
A cute, personified way to talk to kids.
天亮了，我们可以下班了。
It's light, we can get off work now.
Signals the end of a work cycle.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase meaning 'It has become light'.
天亮___。
The particle `了` indicates a change of state, meaning it is now light when it wasn't before.
How would you tell someone it is 'almost' light?
天___亮了。
`快` means 'fast' or 'soon', so `快亮了` means it will be light very soon.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '天亮了'
Waking up family or playing games.
天亮了，快醒醒！
General observation of the time.
天亮了，该出发了。
Metaphorical use in a speech.
黑暗过去了，天亮了。
Where to use '天亮了'
Bedroom
Waking up at 6 AM
Gaming Cafe
Finishing a night of gaming
Mountain Top
Watching the sunrise
Social Games
Playing Werewolf with friends
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 天 specifically refers to the sky. If a room is bright, say 屋里很亮 (It's bright in the room).
Yes, it is a neutral factual statement. If you are both working late, saying 天亮了 is a natural observation.
The 了 (le) marks a change of state. It tells the listener that the status of the sky has shifted from dark to light.
You can say 天还没亮 (tiān hái méi liàng). This is common if you wake up too early.
Yes! It can mean 'the dawn of a new era' or that a period of suffering has ended, similar to 'seeing the light' in English.
In formal writing, you might see 黎明 (límíng) for 'dawn', but 天亮了 is the standard spoken version.
You still say 天亮了. It refers to the time of day and the general visibility, not necessarily seeing the sun.
Not exactly. Use 早安 or 早上好 to greet someone. Use 天亮了 to state the fact that it is morning.
No, for a light bulb or lamp, use 灯 (dēng). For example, 灯亮了 means the lamp is lit.
In 'Werewolf', the moderator says 天亮了 to tell players to open their eyes after the 'night' round is over.
Related Phrases
天黑了
It's getting dark / Night has fallen.
天快亮了
It's almost dawn.
大清早
Very early morning.
黎明
Dawn (more formal/poetic).
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