照明
shōmei[ɕo̞ːme̞ː]
In Japanese, the phrase "lights" is translated as 照明 (shōmei).
照明 refers to the equipment used to provide light in a room or a building. It encompasses a broad range of lighting, including stage, decorative and natural lighting. When referring specifically to the physical hardware or fixtures, the term 照明器具 is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 照明 is composed of the characters for 'show/illuminate' and 'brightness/light', literally translating to "illumination".
Which one should you use?
While 照明 refers specifically to the lighting equipment or the act of illumination, 電灯 is a general term for lights, typically referring to electric lights or lamp lights.
How do you pronounce it?
shōmei
Did you know?
- In a domestic setting, if you want to ask someone to turn on the lights, you would likely use the word 電気 (denki), which literally means 'electricity'.
- The character 明 in 照明 is composed of the characters for 'sun' and 'moon', suggesting that true brightness comes from the combination of both celestial bodies.
- While 照明 refers to the lighting, the act of turning lights on or off often uses the verb つける 'to attach' or 消す 'to extinguish', reflecting the history of lighting candles and oil lamps.
Examples in context
- すべての照明が消えた。All the lights went out.This sentence shows how to say that all the lights went out using 照明.Tatoeba #11187953 by bunbuku, translation #51696 by CK
- 彼は十一時に全ての照明を消した。He turned off all the lights at eleven.This sentence illustrates how to say someone turned off all the lights using 照明.Tatoeba #1052644 by bunbuku, translation #288383 by CK
- 寝転がると、天井の照明が思いの外眩しい。As I lay down to sleep, the ceiling lights were unexpectedly bright.This sentence demonstrates how to describe ceiling lights being unexpectedly bright using 照明.Tatoeba #8546203 by kopplex, translation #11009674 by DJ_Saidez
- 電灯を消してくださいPlease turn off the lights
- この部屋の照明は美しいですThe lighting in this room is beautiful
- 明かりをつけていただけますかCould you please turn on the lights?
- 明かりを消してください。Please turn off the lights.
- このディスコのライトがとても好きI really like the lights in this disco
- 彼はディスコのライトが好きですね。He really likes disco lights, doesn't he?
- この場所の照明はとてもロマンチックです。The lighting in this place is very romantic.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are in a cafe discussing the interior design.
- 蓮 Renこのカフェは照明がとてもおしゃれですね。Kono kafe wa shoumei ga totemo oshare desu ne.The lighting in this cafe is very stylish, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、照明のデザインが素敵だと思います。Hai, shoumei no dezain ga suteki da to omoimasu.Yes, I think the lighting design is lovely.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんの好みに合いそうですね。Himari-san no konomi ni aisou desu ne.It looks like it would suit your taste, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari本当ですね。とても落ち着きます。Hontou desu ne. Totemo ochitsukimasu.That's true. It's very relaxing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 照明, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
