(ちょうちん)

ちょうちん
noun
paper lantern
1. paper lantern, Japanese lantern
A traditional Japanese lantern made of paper over a collapsible bamboo or wire frame.
提灯(ちょうちん)(あか)りをともす。
To light a paper lantern.
(まつ)りの提灯(ちょうちん)(なら)んでいる。
Festival lanterns are lined up.
居酒屋(いざかや)(あか)提灯(ちょうちん)
The red lantern of an izakaya.
Red lanterns are traditional izakaya signs

提灯(ちょうちん) is a traditional Japanese lantern made of paper over a collapsible bamboo frame.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Paper lanterns are iconic symbols of Japanese festivals ((まつ)り) and traditional establishments.

COMMON TYPES:

  • (あか)提灯(ちょうちん): red lantern (marks izakayas, yakitori shops)
  • (ぼん)提灯(ちょうちん): Obon festival lantern
  • 小田原(おだわら)提灯(ちょうちん): collapsible travel lantern

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 提灯(ちょうちん)(あか)りをともす: to light a lantern
  • 提灯(ちょうちん)行列(ぎょうれつ): lantern procession

IDIOM:
提灯(ちょうちん)()つ: to support/flatter someone (lit. hold a lantern for)