Japanese Conversation · Level 16
90 words
Japanese word
灯
Pronunciation
Romajihi
Meaning
- nounlight
Example
窓辺の灯が遠くから見えます。mado be no hi ga tō ku ka ra mi e ma su
The light by the window can be seen from far away.
More examples
暗い廊下では、小さな灯を頼りに進みます。kura i rō ka de wa chii sa na hi o tayo ri ni susu mi ma su
In a dark hallway, I make my way using a small light.
Core concept
Centers on a nearby source of light that pushes back darkness and may be a flame, a lamp, or a gentle glow.
Common phrases
灯をともすhi o to mo su
light a lamp
灯を消すhi o ke su
put out a light
灯を頼りにhi o tayo ri ni
by the light
灯の下hi no shita
under a light
Similar words
明かりakari: Light that allows a place to be seen in everyday settings.
Definition in Japanese
火をともして周囲を照らすもの。hi o to mo shi te shū i o te ra su mo no
Word origin
In native Japanese, 灯 (hi, "light") is a word for a light or flame, while the kanji 灯 (tō, "lamp") is the simplified form of 燈 (tō, "lamp").
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 明かり (akari) is often used for an ordinary light, while 灯 (hi) can sound literary or suggest lamplight or a flame.