Translation guide
The arrangement or effect of lights in a space, or the equipment used for illumination.
この部屋の照明はいいですね。
The lighting in this room is nice.
The way a place is lit, or the lights themselves.
General term for lighting, illumination, or lighting equipment. Used for both the act of lighting and the fixtures.
この部屋は照明が暗い。
The lighting in this room is dim.
間接照明を使うと雰囲気が良くなる。
Using indirect lighting improves the atmosphere.
Loanword from English, often used in design, photography, or stage contexts. Sounds more technical or stylish.
このカフェのライティングがおしゃれだね。
The lighting in this cafe is stylish, isn't it?
Refers to light itself, often from a lamp or natural source. More about the presence of light than the system.
明かりをつけてください。
Please turn on the light.
The physical lights, lamps, or fixtures.
Lighting fixtures or equipment. Used when talking about the hardware.
新しい照明器具を買いに行く。
I'm going to buy new lighting fixtures.
A light or lamp. Common in casual speech.
Lighting used in performances, concerts, or events.
Stage lighting. Specifically for theatrical or performance settings.
舞台照明の効果が素晴らしかった。
The stage lighting effects were wonderful.
Loanword for stage lighting, often used in music or event contexts.
ステージライティングのデザインを担当しています。
I'm in charge of the stage lighting design.
Lighting considered as part of interior design or ambiance.
Lighting design. Used in architecture and interior design.
照明デザインにこだわっています。
I'm particular about lighting design.
照明 (shoumei) is the general term for lighting as a system or concept. ライト (raito) is a physical light or lamp, often portable. 明かり (akari) refers to the light itself, the illumination, and can be natural or artificial.
照明を消してください。
Please turn off the lights (the lighting system).
ライトを消して。
Turn off the light (the lamp).
月の明かりがきれいだ。
The moonlight is beautiful.
I put a light on the desk.