Translation guide
The light produced by a lamp. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 灯り (akari), which broadly means 'light' from a lamp or other source. More specific terms exist for different contexts.
To refer to the light emitted by a lamp, lantern, or similar device.
The most common and versatile word for light from a lamp, lantern, or other artificial source. Can also refer to the lamp itself.
部屋にランプの灯りがともっている。
The lamplight is on in the room.
彼は灯りの下で本を読んだ。
He read a book by lamplight.
Literally 'lamp's light'. More specific than 灯り, explicitly stating the source is a lamp.
ランプの光が部屋を照らしていた。
The lamplight illuminated the room.
A somewhat literary or formal term for lamplight or lamp flame. Often used in written language or poetic contexts.
灯火が消えた。
The lamplight went out.
To evoke the gentle, warm glow of a traditional Japanese lamp (e.g., andon, bonbori).
Specifically the light from an andon, a traditional paper-covered frame lamp. Conveys a warm, old-fashioned atmosphere.
旅館の部屋には行灯の灯りがともっていた。
The inn room was lit by the soft lamplight of an andon.
Light from a bonbori, a small paper lantern often used in festivals or traditional settings.
庭にはぼんぼりの灯りが並んでいた。
The garden was lined with the lamplight of bonbori lanterns.
灯り (akari) specifically refers to light from an artificial source like a lamp, often with a warm connotation. 光 (hikari) is a more general term for light, including natural light (sunlight, moonlight) and bright artificial light. Use 灯り for lamplight, candlelight, etc., and 光 for broader contexts.