照明
shōmei[ɕo̞ːme̞ː]
The English phrase 'lighting' is translated into Japanese as 照明 (shōmei).
照明 is a standard term used for 'illumination' in technical, architectural or professional contexts. It can refer to the general concept of illuminating a space using artificial light or the act of lighting. If you are specifically discussing the light source itself, such as a lamp or a bulb, the term 光源 (kōgen) is used.
Meaning: equipment, illumination (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
shōmei
Did you know?
- The kanji for 'lighting' 照明 contains the character 明, which is composed of both the 'sun' and 'moon' radicals together.
- In traditional Japanese architecture, lighting was achieved through shōji paper screens that diffused sunlight, creating a soft glow that influenced the aesthetic of 陰翳 (in-ei) or 'shadows'.
- The kanji for 照明 consists of 'show' and 'bright'. While English uses a verb to describe the process of making something light, the Japanese term literally describes the act of 'showing brightness'.
Examples in context
- 間接照明を取り入れたら部屋が落ち着いた。The room felt cozy after incorporating the use of indirect lighting.This sentence is useful for showing how the use of indirect lighting can change the atmosphere of a room using 照明.Tatoeba #11003520 by bunbuku, translation #11627583 by pip
- この部屋の照明は美しいですねThe lighting in this room is beautiful, isn't it?
- 新しい光源を取り替えましょうLet's replace the light source with a new one.
- この建物の照明装置は先進的ですThe lighting fixtures in this building are advanced.
- このライトはとても明るいですねThis light is very bright, isn't it?
- 明かりを暗くしてくださいPlease dim the lights.
- この部屋は照明が明るすぎる。Kono heya wa shoumei ga akarasugiru.The lighting in this room is too bright.
- 劇場の照明をチェックしてください。Gekijou no shoumei o chekku shite kudasai.Please check the theater lighting.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing the atmosphere of a new cafe.
- 陽太 Yotaこのカフェ、照明がとてもおしゃれだね。Kono kafe, shoumei ga totemo oshare dane.The lighting in this cafe is very stylish, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当。陽太さんの好みに合っていればいいな。Hontou. Youta-san no konomi ni atte ireba ii na.True. I hope it suits your taste, Youta.
- 陽太 Yotaうん、落ち着く雰囲気だよ。Un, ochitsuku fun'iki dayo.Yeah, it has a relaxing atmosphere.
- 結衣 Yuiよかった。またここに来ようね。Yokatta. Mata koko ni koyou ne.I'm glad. Let's come here again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lighting” translations and entries 照明, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
