ほのか

ほのか

Faint; delicate; subtle.

Here, ほのかに ('faintly') is used as an adverb to describe the gentle or subtle quality of the light.

部屋の窓からほのかに光が差し込んでいた。

A faint light was streaming in through the room's window.

In this sentence, ほのか ('subtle') is used as an adjective to describe the mild characteristic of the fragrance.

この花の香りはほのかで、とても心地良い。

The scent of these flowers is subtle and very pleasant.

Here, ほのかな ('faint') is used as an adjective to describe a barely visible or slight smile.

彼の表情にほのかな微笑みが見えた。

I could see a faint smile on his expression.