Faint, slight, or indistinct; describes something barely perceptible such as a scent, light, color, or feeling.
夜道にほのかな街灯の明かりが見えた。
I saw a faint streetlight along the night road.
紅茶からほのかに柑橘の香りがする。
There is a faint citrus scent coming from the tea.
彼女の顔にほのかな赤みが差した。
A faint blush appeared on her face.
ほのかな希望を胸に、彼は歩き出した。
With a faint hope in his heart, he set off walking.