1.
to light, to kindle, to illuminate
To light a candle, lamp, or other source of light. Can also be used figuratively to kindle hope, passion, or spirit.
ろうそくに火を灯す。
To light a candle.
仏壇の前で灯りを灯した。
I lit a light in front of the Buddhist altar.
あの先生の言葉が、私の心に希望の灯を灯してくれた。
That teacher's words lit a flame of hope in my heart.
灯す is a somewhat literary verb for lighting a flame or lamp. More common in writing and formal speech than in casual conversation.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: Transitive (他動詞)
- Pattern: 〜を灯す / 〜に火を灯す
ASPECT (ている):
- 灯している: is lit, is burning (resultant state)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 火を灯す (to light a fire/flame)
- 灯りを灯す (to light a lamp/light)
- ろうそくを灯す (to light a candle)
- 希望を灯す (to kindle hope — figurative)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- つける: to turn on (a light) — everyday, casual
- 灯す: to light, to kindle — literary, often for flames