Halvtransparent

Halvtransparent is a Danish term used to describe materials or surfaces that allow some light to pass through while not being fully clear. It refers to a level of transmission that is between opaque and fully transparent. In practice, halvtransparent objects diffuse or blur what is seen through them, so details on the far side are partially obscured.

The effect is achieved through various means. Surface treatments such as frosting, sandblasting, etching, or polishing can scatter light. Pigmentation or tinting reduces brightness while preserving visibility. Porosity, weave, or perforation in fabrics and membranes also creates partial transmission. The result is a balance between privacy and daylight, or between clarity and softness of image.

Common uses include architecture and interior design, where frosted or tinted glass, privacy screens, and translucent window films help control glare and maintain light in a space. In textiles, sheer fabrics and voile allow light to pass while offering some coverage. In photography and film, diffusion materials act halvtransparent to soften shadows. In digital media and user interfaces, halvtransparent elements describe overlays and panels with partial opacity achieved through alpha blending, enabling underlying content to remain visible.

Etymology derives from the Danish halv- meaning “half” and transparent, reflecting the partial transmission of light. The concept is closely related to translucency and is contrasted with transparency and opacity in both material science and design contexts.