ランタン
rantan[ɾã̠ntã̠ɴ]
The English word lantern is translated into Japanese as ランタン (rantan).
ランタン refers to a case of transparent material made to protect a flame or light, typically describing modern or Western-style portable lanterns.
Meaning: case of transparent material made to protect a flame, or light (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ランタン (rantan) is used for modern or Western-style portable lanterns, the word 提灯 (chochin) refers specifically to traditional Japanese paper lanterns. Additionally, the term 灯篭 is a formal word often used when discussing traditional Japanese garden lanterns.
How do you pronounce it?
rantan
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, the 提灯 (chochin) is not just a light source but can become a 'Chochin-obake', a monster with a single eye and a long tongue.
- Historically, the color and shape of a 提灯 could indicate the specific rank or profession of the person carrying it.
- Japanese culture uses 'chochin' lanterns not just for light, but as highly recognizable commercial signboards for restaurants and shops.
Examples in context
- トムはランタンを掲げた。Tom held up the lantern.This sentence shows how to use ランタン to describe someone holding a lantern up.Tatoeba #5748457 by daifons, translation #5747804 by CM
- ランタンが林を照らした。The forest was illuminated by a lantern.This sentence illustrates how a ランタン can illuminate a forest.Tatoeba #10979917 by small_snow, translation #11581582 by Yanahma
- 明かりが必要ですので、アンドンを買おうかと思います。Since I need some light, I'm thinking of buying a lantern.
- 祭りの提灯が美しいですね。The festival lanterns are beautiful, aren't they?
- 近所のお祭りではたくさんのちょうちんが飾られている。Many lanterns are being displayed at the local festival.
- おばあちゃんの家には庭にたくさんのとうろうがある。Grandma's house has many lanterns in the garden.
- キャンプの夜はランタンが便利です。Kyanpu no yoru wa rantan ga benri desu.A lantern is useful on camping nights.
Example conversation
Two friends are preparing for a camping trip at night.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、ランタンは持ってきた？Hiroto-kun, rantan wa motte kita?Hiroto, did you bring the lantern?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、このランタンを使おう。Un, kono rantan o tsukaou.Yeah, let's use this lantern.
- 陽葵 Himariとても明るいね。Totemo akarui ne.It is very bright.
- 大翔 Hirotoこれなら夜も安心だよ。Kore nara yoru mo anshin da yo.With this, we'll be fine at night.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ランタン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
