Shadow
noun
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
Just imagine the shadow of a cage (かげ). Lots of long bars. Looks good.
「もしやお化け？」「いや、ただの影でしょ。」
"Is it a ghost by any chance?" "No, it's just a shadow."
コウイチの後ろに黒い影がしのびよった。
A black shadow creeped up to Koichi's back.
「私、もう何週間もフグを見てないわ。」「ほら、見て。ちょうど今フグが来たわよ。」「あら、噂をすれば影がさす、ね。こんにちは。私たち、今ちょうどあなたのことを話していたのよ。」
"I haven’t seen Fugu for weeks." "Oh, look. Here comes Fugu right now." "Well, speak of the devil. Hi, there. We were just talking about you."