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A1 noun #3,467 most common 11 min read

電灯

dentō Top 3,467

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 電灯 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 電灯 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '電灯' (dentou) as a basic noun for 'light' or 'lamp.' While you might use the word '電気' (denki) more often to say 'turn on the light,' knowing 'dentou' helps you identify physical objects. You will see this word in basic vocabulary lists about the home or the city. Focus on the simple combination of 'electricity' (電) and 'light' (灯). At this stage, you should be able to say 'The light is bright' or 'Please turn off the light' using this word. It is a concrete object you can point to. Practice pairing it with 'tsukeru' (turn on) and 'kesu' (turn off). You don't need to worry about the historical or technical nuances yet; just treat it as a synonym for 'lamp' that runs on electricity. In your first Japanese textbooks, 'dentou' appears in chapters about describing a room or a street at night. It's a foundational building block for your Japanese noun vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you can begin to distinguish between 'dentou' and 'denki.' You'll notice that 'dentou' is used more in written descriptions or when being slightly more formal. You might encounter it in simple stories where a character is 'under the light' (dentou no shita). You should also learn the word 'kaichu-dentou' (flashlight) at this level, as it's a very practical compound. You can start using 'dentou' to describe specific fixtures in a house, such as 'kaidan no dentou' (the light on the stairs). You will also learn the concept of 'kieru' (to go out) and 'tsuku' (to turn on) as intransitive verbs used with 'dentou.' For example, 'Dentou ga tsuita' (The light came on). This level is about expanding the contexts in which you use the word, moving from simple requests to describing states and locations. You might also see 'dentou' on signs in public buildings, so recognizing the kanji becomes more important.

At the B1 level, you should understand the stylistic difference between 'dentou' and its synonyms like 'shoumei' (lighting) or 'akari' (glow). You will encounter 'dentou' in more complex reading materials, such as news articles about energy saving or short stories. You should be comfortable using it in compounds like 'dentou-ryou' (electric light fee) in a historical context or 'dentou-sen' (electric light line). At this stage, you can use 'dentou' to add detail to your descriptions, such as 'the flickering electric light' (chira-tsuku dentou). You'll also understand that 'dentou' can carry a slightly nostalgic or retro feel in certain contexts, especially when contrasted with modern 'LED lighting.' You should be able to explain the difference between 'denki' (the power) and 'dentou' (the fixture) to others. Your grammar should allow you to use 'dentou' in relative clauses, such as 'The light that was in the hallway was broken' (Rouka ni atta dentou ga kowareteita).

At the B2 level, you will encounter 'dentou' in literature and professional contexts. You should recognize its use in describing urban development or the history of technology in Japan. For instance, reading about the 'Ginza arc lamp' (Ginza no aaku-tou) will involve the word 'dentou.' You'll also see it in more formal announcements or official documents regarding apartment maintenance. At this level, you should be aware of the homophone '伝統' (tradition) and be careful not to confuse them in writing, though the context in B2-level texts will be sophisticated enough to distinguish them clearly. You might use 'dentou' in discussions about aesthetics—how the 'dentou no hikari' (light of the electric lamp) affects the atmosphere of a room compared to natural light. You'll also understand more technical terms like 'shirannetsu-dentou' (incandescent light) or 'keikoutou' (fluorescent light), where 'tou' is the common suffix.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'dentou' as a symbol in Japanese literature and culture. You might analyze how the introduction of 'dentou' changed the concept of 'night' in Japanese society, perhaps referencing essays like Tanizaki Jun'ichiro's 'In Praise of Shadows' (In'ei Raisan), which discusses the aesthetic shift from traditional lighting to harsh electric light. You should be able to use the word in academic or professional discussions about urban planning, historical preservation, or industrial history. Your vocabulary should include rare or specific compounds, and you should be able to appreciate the poetic use of 'dentou' in modern haiku or prose. At this level, you are not just learning the word; you are learning the cultural and historical weight it carries as a marker of Japan's modernization. You can discuss the transition from 'dentou' to 'LED' in the context of sustainability and energy policy with ease.

At the C2 level, '電灯' (dentou) is a word you use with total native-like precision. You can effortlessly switch between 'dentou,' 'shoumei,' 'akari,' and 'hikari' to achieve the exact rhetorical or emotional effect you desire. You can read high-level technical papers on lighting engineering or historical treatises on the electrification of Japan without difficulty. You understand the most obscure idioms or historical references involving electric light. In a professional setting, such as an architectural firm or a history department, you use the term with technical accuracy. You can also appreciate the word's role in the evolution of the Japanese language itself—how it emerged as a neologism in the Meiji era and how its usage has shifted with the rise of modern electronics. For a C2 learner, 'dentou' is not just a word for a lamp; it is a thread in the vast tapestry of Japanese linguistic and social history.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

電灯 in 30 Seconds

Dentou is the formal Japanese noun for an electric light or lamp fixture, combining the kanji for 'electricity' and 'lamp'.
While 'denki' is used casually for 'lights,' 'dentou' is more precise and common in writing, news, and technical descriptions.
It covers all types of electric lighting, from old incandescent bulbs to modern LEDs and public street lights.
Common verbs used with it include 'tsukeru' (turn on), 'kesu' (turn off), and 'kieru' (go out or burn out).

The Japanese word 電灯 (dentou) is a foundational noun that literally translates to 'electric light.' It is composed of two kanji: 電 (den), meaning electricity, and 灯 (tou), meaning light or lamp. While modern Japanese speakers frequently use the shorter word 電気 (denki) to refer to both electricity and the lights in a room, dentou remains the more precise, formal, and technically accurate term for the device providing illumination or the light itself emitted by electricity.

Historical Context: In the late 19th century, when electric lighting first arrived in Japan (specifically the famous arc lamp in Ginza, 1882), this word distinguished the new technology from traditional oil lamps (andon) and gas lamps (gasutou).

You will encounter this word in a variety of settings. In literature, it often evokes a specific atmosphere—perhaps the flickering of an old street lamp or the harsh glow of an industrial bulb. In technical manuals or housing documents, it specifies the type of fixtures installed. For an English speaker, think of it as the difference between saying 'Turn on the lights' (denki) and 'The electric lamp was flickering' (dentou).

夜の道には、古い電灯が一つだけついていた。
(On the night road, only a single old electric light was lit.)

In contemporary conversation, using dentou can make you sound slightly more formal or precise. If you are reporting a broken light to a landlord, saying dentou ga kireteiru (the electric light is burned out) is perfectly natural. It focuses on the physical object—the lamp or bulb—rather than just the abstract concept of 'the power' being on or off.

Visual Nuance: The kanji 灯 (tou) depicts a fire (火) next to a stand (丁), representing a traditional lamp. Adding 電 (den) modernizes the source of the flame to electricity.

この部屋の電灯は少し暗すぎるようです。
(The electric light in this room seems a bit too dim.)

Furthermore, the word is used in compound terms like gaitou (street light, though often written with a different 'tou'), but dentou remains the parent category. If you are describing a scene in a story or writing a formal report about public infrastructure, this is your go-to word. It encompasses everything from the incandescent bulbs of the past to the LED panels of today, provided they are powered by electricity.

新しい電灯に取り替える必要があります。
(It is necessary to replace it with a new electric light.)

Register and Tone: Using 'dentou' instead of 'denki' can shift the tone from casual conversation to descriptive or technical observation. It highlights the fixture as an object of design or utility.

彼は電灯の下で本を読んでいた。
(He was reading a book under the electric light.)

To wrap up, while denki is the utilitarian choice for daily chores, dentou is the word of the poet, the architect, and the historian. It acknowledges the transition of humanity from fire and gas to the electric age. Mastering its use allows you to describe your environment with greater specificity and cultural awareness.

Using 電灯 (dentou) correctly involves understanding its role as a concrete noun. Unlike the abstract noun denki, which can mean 'electricity' in general, dentou always refers to the physical light source or the illumination it provides. The most common verbs paired with it are tsukeru (to turn on), kesu (to turn off), and kieru (to go out/be extinguished).

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 電灯をつける (Turn on the light)
2. 電灯を消す (Turn off the light)
3. 電灯がつく (The light turns on)
4. 電灯が消える (The light goes out)

When describing the state of an electric light, you might use adjectives like akarui (bright) or kurai (dim). Because dentou is a physical object, you can also describe its appearance: furui dentou (an old electric light) or mezurashii dentou (a rare/unusual electric lamp).

トンネルの中の電灯がオレンジ色に輝いている。
(The electric lights inside the tunnel are glowing orange.)

In a grammatical sense, dentou acts as a standard noun. It takes the particles ga (subject), wo (object), no (possessive/attributive), and ni (location/direction). For example, dentou no hikari (the light of the electric lamp) uses the possessive particle to link the source and the effect.

Location Phrases: - 門の電灯 (The light at the gate)
- 階段の電灯 (The light on the stairs)
- 部屋の隅の電灯 (The light in the corner of the room)

停電で、すべての電灯が一斉に消えた。
(Due to the power outage, all the electric lights went out at once.)

If you are asking someone to do something with the light, you would use the ~te kudasai form. Dentou wo keshite kudasai (Please turn off the electric light). While slightly more formal than denki, it is perfectly appropriate in a classroom or office setting where you want to be clear about which light you are referring to.

そのアンティークな電灯は、とても高価だそうです。
(I heard that antique electric lamp is very expensive.)

Compound Usage: 電灯線 (dentousen) - electric light line/wire
電灯会社 (dentou gaisha) - electric light company (older term)

彼は電灯のスイッチを探して壁を手探りした。
(He fumbled along the wall looking for the light switch.)

By integrating dentou into your sentences, you demonstrate a command of specific vocabulary that goes beyond the basic 'beginner' level. It allows for more descriptive and varied language, especially when discussing interior design, cityscapes, or historical narratives.

In modern Japan, the frequency of 電灯 (dentou) varies significantly by context. While you might not hear a teenager say it while playing video games, you will certainly hear it in more structured or descriptive environments. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the technical.

Public Infrastructure: City officials or maintenance workers often use 'dentou' when discussing public lighting. If a street light is out, the report will likely use the term 'gaitou' (street light) or 'dentou' rather than the generic 'denki'.

One of the most common places to hear dentou is in announcements regarding facilities. For example, in a museum or a public hall, an announcement might say, 'Tenji-shitsu no dentou wo shou-tou shimasu' (We will be turning off the lights in the exhibition room). Here, shou-tou (extinguishing lights) is a formal compound that includes the 'tou' from dentou.

駅のホームの電灯が、夜通し点いている。
(The electric lights on the station platform are on all night.)

You will also encounter it in literature and film. Period dramas (Jidaigeki) set in the Meiji or Taisho eras use dentou to emphasize the novelty of electricity. In modern novels, authors use it to create a specific mood—perhaps the lonely glow of a single bulb in an alleyway. It carries a sense of 'objectness' that denki lacks.

Real Estate and DIY: When browsing a hardware store (Home Center) or looking at apartment listings, you will see 'dentou' used to describe the lighting fixtures included in a room. 'Dentou-tsuki' means 'comes with electric lights'.

この古いアパートは、電灯の形がとてもレトロだ。
(This old apartment has very retro-shaped electric lights.)

In a work environment, especially in manufacturing or safety-focused industries, dentou is used in safety checks. 'Dentou no tenken' (inspection of electric lights) is a standard procedure to ensure visibility and safety in a factory or warehouse. It sounds more professional and specific than 'denki no tenken'.

作業を始める前に、電灯が正常に作動するか確認してください。
(Before starting work, please check if the electric lights are operating normally.)

News and Journalism: News reports on energy conservation (setsuden) often mention 'dentou' when listing ways to save power, such as 'unnecessary electric lights should be turned off'.

街中の電灯が消され、夜の空がいつもより暗く見えた。
(The electric lights in the city were turned off, and the night sky looked darker than usual.)

By paying attention to these contexts, you can start to feel the 'weight' of the word. It is not just a synonym for 'light'; it is a term that carries technical precision, historical depth, and a touch of formal elegance.

Learning 電灯 (dentou) is relatively straightforward, but there are a few nuances where English speakers (and even beginner Japanese learners) often trip up. The most frequent errors involve register, confusion with similar-sounding words, and using it in the wrong context.

Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Speech: While 'dentou' is correct, saying 'Dentou wo keshite' to a roommate sounds a bit stiff. In 90% of daily situations, Japanese people just say 'Denki wo keshite' (Turn off the electricity/light). Using 'dentou' makes it sound like you are referring to a specific, perhaps formal, light fixture.

Another common confusion is between dentou and denchi (battery). Because both start with den (electricity), beginners often mix them up. Remember: tou is light, chi is pond/reservoir (storing energy). If you ask for a 'dentou' when your remote control dies, you'll get a light bulb instead of a battery!

Incorrect: リモコンの電灯が切れました。
(The electric light of the remote died. - Doesn't make sense.)

Furthermore, don't confuse dentou (electric light) with dentou (tradition). They are homophones (words that sound the same) but have completely different kanji: 伝統 (tradition) vs. 電灯 (electric light). Context usually makes the meaning clear, but in writing, the kanji are vital. You wouldn't want to write that your family has a 'long electric light' when you mean a 'long tradition'!

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Dentou' and 'Kaitendou': Sometimes learners confuse 'dentou' with 'kaichu-dentou' (flashlight). While a flashlight is a type of electric light, 'dentou' usually implies a fixed fixture. If you need a portable light, you must specify 'kaichu-dentou'.

キャンプには懐中電灯を持っていくべきだ。
(You should take a flashlight (kaichu-dentou) to camping.)

A subtle mistake is using dentou when you mean shoumei (lighting/illumination). Shoumei is used for the overall lighting effect or professional lighting in a theater or photo studio. Dentou is the physical lamp. If you're talking about the 'mood lighting' of a restaurant, shoumei is the better choice.

Incorrect: このレストランの電灯はとてもロマンチックだ。
(The electric light fixtures of this restaurant are romantic. - Sounds like you're in love with the bulbs.)

Grammar Note: Remember that 'dentou' is a noun. It cannot be used as a verb directly. You cannot say 'dentou-suru'. You must use 'dentou wo tsukeru' or the formal compound 'tentou-suru' (to light up).

Finally, be careful with the counter. While 'hitotsu' (one thing) is okay for a bulb, if you are counting the fixtures themselves in a room, 'dai' is the appropriate counter for machines and appliances. Using the wrong counter won't stop you from being understood, but using the right one shows a higher level of proficiency.

In Japanese, there are several words that relate to light and lighting. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about the physical object, the energy source, the atmospheric effect, or a specific type of lamp. Here is a comparison of 電灯 (dentou) and its common alternatives.

電灯 (Dentou) vs. 電気 (Denki): Dentou: Specifically the electric light/lamp fixture. Formal and descriptive.
Denki: Literally 'electricity.' Used colloquially for everything from the power grid to the lights in your kitchen. 'Denki wo kesu' is the standard way to say 'Turn off the lights.'

If you are in a hardware store looking for a bulb, you might use denkyuu (light bulb). This is much more specific than dentou, which can refer to the whole lamp assembly.

電球が切れたので、新しいのを買わなければならない。
(The light bulb (denkyuu) burned out, so I have to buy a new one.)

電灯 (Dentou) vs. 照明 (Shoumei): Dentou: The object (the lamp).
Shoumei: The system or the effect (illumination). Used in interior design, stage lighting, and photography. 'Kono heya no shoumei wa suteki da' (The lighting in this room is wonderful).

For outdoor situations, you will often hear gaitou (street light). While a street light is technically a dentou, gaitou is the specific term for those found on public roads.

夜道が暗いので、もっと街灯が必要です。
(The night road is dark, so we need more street lights (gaitou).)

Other Related Terms: - ライト (Raito): A loanword from English. Used for flashlights, car headlights, or small decorative lights.
- 灯り (Akari): A soft, poetic word for light, often implying a warm or natural source like a candle or a distant window.

遠くに家の灯りが見える。
(I can see the light (akari) of a house in the distance.)

In a formal or academic setting, you might use kougen (light source). This is used in physics or technical descriptions of how light behaves. Dentou is one type of kougen.

この実験では、光源としてLEDを使用します。
(In this experiment, we use an LED as the light source (kougen).)

Understanding these distinctions helps you sound more natural. Using dentou when describing a physical object, denki for daily actions, and akari for emotional or poetic descriptions will greatly enhance your Japanese expression.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The first public electric light in Japan was an arc lamp lit at the Tokyo Telegraph Bureau in 1878, but the word 'dentou' became a household term after the Ginza arc lamp was installed in 1882.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /den.toː/

US /den.toʊ/

Heiban (Flat) type. The pitch remains relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Bentou (Lunch box) Kentou (Study/Examination) Sentou (Battle) Tentou (Lighting up) Rentou (Consecutive wins) Gentou (Magic lantern) Sentou (Public bath) Zentou (Front part)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'dento' (short 'o'). It must be a long 'o' (dentou).
Confusing the pitch with 'dentou' (tradition), although both are often heiban, context is key.
Over-emphasizing the 'n' sound; it should be a nasal 'n' that blends into the 't'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are relatively simple (JLPT N4/N5 level) and the meaning is literal.

Writing 3/5

The kanji '灯' and '電' require some practice but are common.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce; no difficult sounds for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize, though it can be confused with 'tradition' (dentou) without context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

電気 (Electricity) 火 (Fire) 明るい (Bright) 暗い (Dark)

Learn Next

照明 (Lighting) 懐中電灯 (Flashlight) 太陽 (Sun) 星 (Star)

Advanced

光源 (Light source) 屈折 (Refraction) 光度 (Luminous intensity)

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs. Intransitive with Lights

電灯をつける (Transitive) vs. 電灯がつく (Intransitive)

Noun Modification with 'no'

電灯の明かり (The light of the electric lamp)

Counters for Appliances (-dai)

電灯を二台買った (Bought two electric lights)

Describing States with '~te iru'

電灯がついている (The light is on)

Expressing Reasons with 'node'

電灯が切れたので、暗いです (It's dark because the light burned out)

Examples by Level

電灯をつけます。

I turn on the electric light.

Uses the object particle 'wo' with the verb 'tsukeru'.

電灯を消してください。

Please turn off the electric light.

Uses the polite request form '~te kudasai'.

この電灯は明るいです。

This electric light is bright.

Simple adjective 'akarui' modifying the noun.

部屋に電灯があります。

There is an electric light in the room.

Uses the existence verb 'arimasu' for inanimate objects.

電灯が消えました。

The electric light went out.

Uses the intransitive verb 'kieru'.

新しい電灯を買いました。

I bought a new electric light.

Past tense of 'kau' (to buy).

電灯の下に机があります。

There is a desk under the electric light.

Uses the location particle 'no shita ni'.

その電灯は古いです。

That electric light is old.

Simple adjective 'furui' modifying the noun.

街の電灯がとてもきれいです。

The electric lights of the city are very beautiful.

Uses 'no' to connect 'machi' (city) and 'dentou'.

懐中電灯を持ってきてください。

Please bring a flashlight.

Uses the compound 'kaichu-dentou'.

電灯が切れたので、暗いです。

The light burned out, so it's dark.

Uses 'kireta' to mean 'burned out' (filament snapped).

階段の電灯を消し忘れた。

I forgot to turn off the light on the stairs.

Uses the compound verb 'keshi-wasureta' (forgot to turn off).

このアパートは電灯がついています。

This apartment comes with electric lights.

The state of the light being 'on' or 'attached'.

電灯のスイッチはどこですか。

Where is the light switch?

Uses 'no' to link 'dentou' and 'suitchi'.

夜は電灯をつけましょう。

Let's turn on the lights at night.

Uses the volitional form '~mashou' (let's).

赤い電灯がついています。

A red electric light is on.

Adjective 'akai' describing the light.

古い電灯がちらついて、集中できない。

The old electric light is flickering, and I can't concentrate.

Uses 'chiratsuku' (to flicker) as a verb.

予備の電灯を用意しておいたほうがいい。

It's better to prepare a spare electric light.

Uses 'hou ga ii' for giving advice.

この部屋の電灯はリモコンで操作できる。

The electric lights in this room can be operated by remote control.

Uses the potential verb 'sousa dekiru'.

彼は電灯の明かりで手紙を読んだ。

He read the letter by the light of the electric lamp.

Uses 'akari' (glow/light) as a noun modified by 'dentou'.

節電のために、不要な電灯を消しましょう。

Let's turn off unnecessary electric lights to save power.

Uses 'tame ni' to express purpose.

電灯の紐を引いて、明かりをつけた。

I pulled the string of the electric light and turned it on.

Uses 'himo' (string) and 'hiku' (pull).

トンネル内は電灯が点灯している。

Inside the tunnel, the electric lights are lit.

Uses the formal verb 'tentou-shiteiru'.

電灯のデザインが部屋の雰囲気に合っている。

The design of the electric light matches the room's atmosphere.

Uses 'ni atteiru' (to match/suit).

明治時代、初めて銀座に電灯が灯された。

In the Meiji era, electric lights were first lit in Ginza.

Uses the passive form 'tomosareta' (was lit).

電灯の普及により、人々の生活様式は一変した。

With the spread of electric lights, people's lifestyles changed completely.

Uses 'ni yori' to indicate a cause or means.

その古い洋館には、豪華な電灯が飾られていた。

In that old Western-style house, a luxurious electric light was decorated.

Uses the state-describing '~te ita'.

電灯のスイッチが故障しているようだ。

It seems the electric light switch is malfunctioning.

Uses 'shiteiru youda' (it seems that...).

夜間の作業には、強力な電灯が必要不可欠だ。

For nighttime work, powerful electric lights are indispensable.

Uses the formal term 'hitsuyou fukaketsu' (indispensable).

電灯の影が壁に長く伸びている。

The shadow of the electric light stretches long on the wall.

Uses 'kage' (shadow) and 'nobiru' (stretch).

この電灯はLEDなので、寿命が長い。

Since this electric light is an LED, it has a long lifespan.

Uses 'node' to indicate a reason.

電灯の明るさを調整できる機能がついている。

It has a function that allows you to adjust the brightness of the electric light.

Uses the potential verb 'chousei dekiru'.

谷崎潤一郎は、電灯の普及が日本の伝統的な美意識を損なうと論じた。

Jun'ichiro Tanizaki argued that the spread of electric light would damage Japan's traditional aesthetic sense.

Uses 'to ronjita' (argued that...).

都会の電灯は、星空を覆い隠してしまうほど眩しい。

The electric lights of the city are so dazzling they obscure the starry sky.

Uses 'hodo' to express degree.

電灯の青白い光が、無機質なオフィスを照らしている。

The bluish-white light of the electric lamps illuminates the inorganic office.

Uses 'mukishitsu' (inorganic/cold) and 'terasu' (illuminate).

災害時に備えて、電灯の代わりになるものを確保すべきだ。

In preparation for a disaster, one should secure alternatives to electric lights.

Uses 'ni sonaete' (preparing for).

その電灯は、かつてこの工場で使われていた産業遺産だ。

That electric light is an industrial heritage item that was once used in this factory.

Uses 'sangyou isan' (industrial heritage).

電灯の光軸を調整して、特定の場所を際立たせる。

Adjust the optical axis of the electric light to highlight a specific spot.

Technical term 'kouchiku' (optical axis).

電灯が発明される以前、夜の闇はもっと深かったはずだ。

Before the electric light was invented, the darkness of night must have been much deeper.

Uses 'hazuda' to express a strong logical conviction.

電灯の配線工事には、専門の資格が必要だ。

A specialized qualification is required for the wiring work of electric lights.

Uses 'haisen kouji' (wiring work).

近代化の象徴としての電灯は、文学作品においてもしばしば文明開化の象徴として描かれる。

Electric light as a symbol of modernization is often depicted in literary works as a symbol of the 'Civilization and Enlightenment' (Bunmei Kaika).

Uses 'shite no' (as a...) and 'shibashiba' (frequently).

電灯のスペクトル分析により、その光源の特性を詳細に把握することが可能である。

Through spectral analysis of the electric light, it is possible to grasp the characteristics of the light source in detail.

Academic phrasing 'ni yori... kano de aru'.

都市計画において電灯の配置は、治安維持と景観形成の両面から極めて重要視される。

In urban planning, the placement of electric lights is considered extremely important from both the perspectives of maintaining public order and forming the landscape.

Uses 'ryoumen kara' (from both sides/perspectives).

電灯が放つ熱量は、密閉された空間においては無視できない環境要因となる。

The amount of heat emitted by electric lights becomes a non-negligible environmental factor in enclosed spaces.

Uses 'mushi dekinai' (cannot be ignored).

電灯の光害が、渡り鳥の航法や昆虫の生態系に及ぼす影響が懸念されている。

There are concerns about the impact that light pollution from electric lights has on the navigation of migratory birds and the ecosystems of insects.

Uses 'ni oyobosu' (to exert/impact).

電灯の歴史を紐解けば、エジソンの功績だけでなく、スワンとの特許争いも無視できない。

If we unravel the history of electric light, we cannot ignore not only Edison's achievements but also the patent dispute with Swan.

Uses the idiomatic 'himotokeba' (if we unravel/look into).

電灯のフィラメントが昇華し、ガラスの内側に黒い膜を作る現象が見られる。

A phenomenon is observed where the filament of the electric light sublimates, creating a black film on the inside of the glass.

Technical scientific description.

電灯の瞬きが、まるで誰かが合図を送っているかのように規則的であった。

The flickering of the electric light was regular, as if someone were sending a signal.

Uses 'marude... ka no you ni' (just as if...).

Synonyms

ライト照明明かりランプ灯火

Antonyms

暗闇闇

Common Collocations

電灯をつける

電灯を消す

電灯が切れる

電灯の下で

懐中電灯

電灯のスイッチ

電灯がちらつく

電灯の明かり

電灯を交換する

電灯をつなぐ

Common Phrases

電灯代

— The cost of electric lighting. An older term for electricity bill.

今月の電灯代はいくらですか。

電灯線

— Electric light wire or power line.

電灯線に鳥が止まっている。

電灯会社

— Electric light company. Historically common.

東京電灯株式会社は日本初の電力会社だ。

電灯の紐

— The pull-string for a light fixture.

電灯の紐を引っ張る。

電灯がつく

— The light turns on (intransitive).

スイッチを入れると電灯がついた。

電灯を灯す

— To light a lamp (more poetic/formal).

暗い夜道に電灯を灯す。

電灯を落とす

— To turn off the lights (often in a stage or large facility context).

会場の電灯を落としてください。

電灯がまぶしい

— The electric light is dazzling/too bright.

電灯がまぶしくて目が開けられない。

電灯の傘

— A lampshade for an electric light.

電灯の傘に埃がたまっている。

電灯をつける時間

— The time to turn on the lights (dusk).

そろそろ電灯をつける時間だ。

Often Confused With

電灯 vs 伝統 (dentou)

Same pronunciation, but means 'tradition.' Kanji are completely different.

電灯 vs 電池 (denchi)

Both start with 'den,' but 'denchi' means battery.

電灯 vs 電報 (denpou)

Both start with 'den,' but 'denpou' means telegram.

Idioms & Expressions

"電灯の下の暗がり"

— Similar to 'it is darkest under the lamp' (though 'toudai moto kurashi' is more common). It refers to overlooking things close to you.

電灯の下の暗がりで、肝心なものを見落としていた。

Literary

"電灯に集まる虫のように"

— Like moths to a flame (electric light). To be irresistibly attracted to something dangerous or futile.

人々は電灯に集まる虫のように、その噂に群がった。

Metaphorical

"電灯を消したよう"

— Describes a sudden total darkness or a sudden silence/end to an activity.

彼が去ると、部屋は電灯を消したように静まり返った。

Descriptive

"一灯を掲げる"

— To hold up a light. To take the lead or start a new movement (can include electric light).

彼は新しい時代の電灯を掲げる存在となった。

Formal

"電灯を頼りに"

— Relying on the light of a lamp. Doing something in the dark with minimal help.

彼は電灯を頼りに、夜遅くまで作業を続けた。

Neutral

"電灯が消える間際"

— The moment before the light goes out. Often used metaphorically for the end of a life or era.

電灯が消える間際の最後の輝きを見せた。

Poetic

"電灯の光を浴びる"

— To be bathed in electric light. Often used for being on stage or in the spotlight.

俳優は舞台の電灯の光を浴びて、堂々と演じた。

Descriptive

"電灯を絶やさない"

— To keep the light burning. To keep hope or a tradition alive.

村の電灯を絶やさないように、発電機を回し続けた。

Neutral

"電灯を見つめる"

— To stare at a light. Often used to describe someone deep in thought or spaced out.

彼女は物思いにふけりながら、ぼんやりと電灯を見つめていた。

Descriptive

"電灯のスイッチを切る"

— To cut the switch. Metaphorically, to end a conversation or relationship abruptly.

彼は突然、電灯のスイッチを切るように連絡を絶った。

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

電灯 vs 電気 (denki)

Both refer to lights.

Denki is 'electricity' and used broadly for 'the lights.' Dentou is the specific 'electric lamp' fixture.

電気代 (electricity bill) vs. 電灯のスイッチ (light switch).

電灯 vs 照明 (shoumei)

Both mean lighting.

Shoumei refers to the system, effect, or professional lighting. Dentou is the physical object.

舞台照明 (stage lighting) vs. 古い電灯 (old electric light).

電灯 vs 懐中電灯 (kaichu-dentou)

Often shortened by learners.

Kaichu-dentou is a flashlight (portable). Dentou is usually a fixed lamp.

停電の時は懐中電灯を使う。

電灯 vs 灯台 (toudai)

Contains 'tou' (light).

Toudai is a lighthouse. Dentou is a small electric light.

遠くに灯台が見える。

電灯 vs 電球 (denkyuu)

Both refer to electric light sources.

Denkyuu is specifically the bulb. Dentou is the whole lamp or the light emitted.

電球を替える (change the bulb).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] をつけます

電灯をつけます。

[Object] が [Adjective] です

この電灯は明るいです。

[Object] が [Verb (Intransitive)]-ている

電灯がついている。

[Object] の [Noun]

電灯のスイッチ。

[Object] を [Verb (Passive)]

電灯が灯された。

[Object] により [Result]

電灯により夜が明るくなった。

[Object] は [Symbol] として [Verb]

電灯は近代化の象徴として描かれる。

[Object] の [Abstract Noun] が [Verb]

電灯の普及が美意識を損なう。

Word Family

Nouns

懐中電灯 (Kaichu-dentou) - Flashlight

街灯 (Gaitou) - Street light

点灯 (Tentou) - Lighting/Turning on a light

消灯 (Shoutou) - Turning off a light

電球 (Denkyuu) - Light bulb

Verbs

点灯する (Tentou-suru) - To light up/turn on

消灯する (Shoutou-suru) - To turn off lights

電気 (Denki) - Electricity

照明 (Shoumei) - Lighting

光 (Hikari) - Light

ランプ (Ranpu) - Lamp

スイッチ (Suitchi) - Switch

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Japanese, news, and technical contexts. Moderately common in spoken Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'denchi' when you mean 'dentou'. → 電灯 (dentou)
Denchi is a battery. Dentou is a light.
Shortening the vowel: 'dento'. → 電灯 (dentou)
The long 'o' is necessary for correct Japanese pronunciation.
Saying 'dentou wo suru' to mean turn on the light. → 電灯をつける (dentou wo tsukeru)
You must use the verb 'tsukeru' for turning on appliances.
Confusing 電灯 (light) with 伝統 (tradition) in writing. → 電灯
Check your kanji! One is electricity-light, the other is transmit-system.
Using 'dentou' for a flashlight without 'kaichu-'. → 懐中電灯 (kaichu-dentou)
Dentou usually implies a fixed lamp, not a portable one.

Tips

When to choose Dentou

Choose 'dentou' when you are writing a story or a report and want to sound more descriptive than 'denki'.

Remembering the Kanji

The kanji 電 (electricity) has the rain radical on top. The kanji 灯 (light) has the fire radical on the left. Electricity + Fire = Electric Light.

Emergency Vocabulary

Always learn 'kaichu-dentou' (flashlight) alongside 'dentou'. It's essential for safety in Japan.

Transitive/Intransitive

Remember: YOU 'tsukeru' (turn on) the dentou, but the dentou 'tsuku' (turns on) by itself.

Historical Nuance

Using 'dentou' in a historical context helps evoke the Meiji era's modernization.

Avoid Repetition

If you've already used 'denki' multiple times, switch to 'dentou' or 'shoumei' to vary your language.

Long Vowels

Don't forget the 'u' at the end of 'dentou'. Long vowels are crucial for being understood in Japanese.

In the Store

When looking for lights, look for the '照明' (shoumei) or '電灯' (dentou) section in home centers.

Maintenance

'Dentou ga kireta' is the standard way to tell your landlord the light is out.

Softness

If the light is soft and warm, consider using 'akari' instead of 'dentou' for a more poetic feel.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **DEN**tist holding a **TOU**rch (light). He's using an electric light to see your teeth! DEN-TOU.

Visual Association

Picture a classic light bulb with a lightning bolt (electricity) inside it. The lightning bolt is the 'Den' and the bulb is the 'Tou'.

Word Web

Electricity Light Bulb Night Switch Lamp Bright City

Challenge

Try to count all the 'dentou' in your room right now using the counter 'dai'. For example: 'Dentou ga san-dai arimasu'.

Word Origin

The word is a Sinitic compound (Kango) created in the 19th century. 'Den' (電) means electricity, and 'Tou' (灯) means lamp.

Original meaning: A lamp that operates on electricity, as opposed to oil or gas.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

None. It is a neutral, everyday object word.

In English, we often say 'the lights' or 'the lamp.' 'Electric light' sounds a bit old-fashioned or technical, which matches the register of 'dentou' in modern Japanese.

'In Praise of Shadows' (In'ei Raisan) by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki. The Ginza Arc Lamp (Japan's first public electric light). Edison's bamboo filament light bulb (he used Japanese bamboo from Kyoto).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

電灯をつける
電灯を消す
電灯のスイッチ
電灯が切れる

In the Street

街の電灯
明るい電灯
電灯が灯る
古い電灯

During an Emergency

懐中電灯
電灯が消える
電池と電灯
予備の電灯

Shopping

新しい電灯
LEDの電灯
電灯の売り場
電灯を買う

Writing a Story

電灯の下で
電灯の明かり
ちらつく電灯
電灯の影

Conversation Starters

"この部屋の電灯、少し暗いと思いませんか？ (Don't you think the electric light in this room is a bit dim?)"

"懐中電灯はどこに置いてありますか？ (Where do you keep the flashlight?)"

"新しい電灯を買いたいのですが、おすすめはありますか？ (I want to buy a new electric light; do you have any recommendations?)"

"昨日の夜、外の電灯がずっとちらついていましたね。 (The outside electric light was flickering all night last night, wasn't it?)"

"最近の電灯はほとんどLEDになりましたね。 (Most electric lights have become LEDs lately, haven't they?)"

Journal Prompts

部屋の電灯が突然消えたら、あなたはどうしますか？ (What would you do if the electric light in your room suddenly went out?)

あなたが一番好きな電灯のデザインについて書いてください。 (Write about your favorite electric light design.)

電灯がない世界での生活を想像してみてください。 (Imagine living in a world without electric lights.)

街の電灯（街灯）が夜の景色に与える影響について考えてください。 (Think about the impact street lights have on the night scenery.)

懐中電灯を最後に使ったのはいつですか？その時の状況を説明してください。 (When was the last time you used a flashlight? Explain the situation.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. 'Dentou' literally means 'electric light.' For a candle, you should use 'rousoku' or the general 'akari'.

Slightly. While still used, younger people prefer 'denki' or 'raito' in casual settings. However, it's still the standard word in many formal contexts.

For the fixture, use '-dai' (e.g., dentou ichi-dai). For the bulb, use '-ko' (e.g., denkyuu ni-ko).

Yes, 'dentou' is a general term for any light powered by electricity, including LEDs, fluorescent lights, and incandescent bulbs.

'Dentou' is the noun (electric light). 'Tentou' is a verb-noun meaning 'the act of lighting up' or 'turning on a light' (e.g., tentou-shiki - lighting ceremony).

Usually, no. Car headlights are called 'heddoraito' or just 'raito'.

Only if you are using the other kanji (伝統). The pronunciation is the same, so check the context or the writing.

You say 'dentou ga chiratsuite iru' (電灯がちらついている).

Yes, it is considered a basic vocabulary word, usually appearing in N5 or N4 level materials.

No. To turn it on, use 'tsukeru'. To hang it, use 'tsurusu' or 'kakeru' (for wall lights).