Japanese word

明かり

Pronunciation

Romajiakari

Meaning

  • nounlight

Example

部屋の明かりをつけます。heya no a ka ri o tsu ke ma su

I turn on the light in the room.

Illustration for 明かり (light)

More examples

夜は部屋の明かりをつけます。yoru wa heya no a ka ri o tsu ke ma su

At night, I turn on the light in my room.

停電のあと、ろうそくの明かりで本を読みました。tei den no a to rō so ku no a ka ri de hon o yo mi ma shi ta

After the power went out, I read a book by candlelight.

Core concept

It refers to light that makes a space bright and visible, often from a lamp but also from a natural source.

Common phrases

  • 明かりをつけるa ka ri o tsu ke ru

    turn on the light

  • 明かりを消すa ka ri o ke su

    turn off the light

Similar words

光hikari: Light that can come directly from a source or be reflected by a surface.
照明shōmei: Light supplied by lamps or other equipment for a room, building, or outdoor space.

Definition in Japanese

暗い場所を照らし、周囲を明るくする光。kura i ba sho o te ra shi shū i o aka ru ku su ru hikari

Word origin

明かり (akari, "light") is a native Japanese noun related to 明るい (akarui, "bright") and 明かる (akaru, "to become bright"), with り (ri) forming the noun.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 明かり (akari) can describe a visible light in the distance, such as one coming from a house or window.

Other meanings

  • glownoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word