1.
lamplight, torchlight, flickering light
A small, warm light from a lamp, candle, or similar source. Carries a literary, poetic quality and often evokes warmth, hope, or nostalgia. Also used figuratively for a faint sign of hope or life.
遠くに灯火が見えた。
A light was visible in the distance.
灯火のもとで本を読んだ。
I read a book by lamplight.
戦争で荒れた町に、復興の灯火がともり始めた。
In the war-ravaged town, the lights of recovery began to flicker.
USAGE:
A literary and poetic word that evokes the image of a small, warm, flickering light. More evocative than the neutral 明かり (light). The reading 灯火 is the native Japanese (kun'yomi) reading; the on'yomi reading 灯火 also exists and is used in compounds like 灯火管制 (blackout regulations).
Often used figuratively for hope or small signs of life in difficult circumstances: 希望の灯火 (a light of hope).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 希望の灯火: light of hope
- 灯火がともる: a light flickers on
- 灯火が消える: a light goes out
- 灯火親しむ秋: autumn for reading by lamplight (literary expression)