1.
light, lamp, small flame
A small, warm light, especially from a candle, oil lamp, or similar source. Often evokes a sense of warmth, hope, or nostalgia.
ろうそくの灯が揺れている。
The candlelight is flickering.
遠くに小さな灯が見えた。
A small light was visible in the distance.
暗闇の中に灯がひとつ灯り、旅人は安堵した。
A single light appeared in the darkness, and the traveler felt relieved.
2.
light (figurative), beacon, glimmer
Used figuratively to refer to something that provides hope, guidance, or spiritual illumination.
彼女の言葉は希望の灯だった。
Her words were a beacon of hope.
戦争の中でも平和の灯を絶やしてはならない。
Even in the midst of war, we must not let the light of peace go out.
困難な時代にあっても、文化の灯を守り続けた人々がいた。
Even in difficult times, there were people who continued to keep the light of culture alive.
REGISTER:
A literary and poetic word. In everyday speech, 明かり or 光 is more common for "light." 灯 evokes warmth, intimacy, and a gentle quality of light, and is frequently used in literary and figurative contexts.
KANJI NOTE:
The kanji 灯 can also be read as ひ (as in 灯をつける). The reading ともしび specifically refers to a gentle, flickering light source and carries a more literary tone.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 灯が灯る: a light is lit
- 灯を灯す: to light a flame
- 希望の灯: a beacon of hope
- 灯が揺れる: a light flickers