明かり・灯り|あかりakari[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounlight; glow; gleam
   この明あかりで字じを読よもうとすれば目めが悪わるくなるよ。↗

   You'll strain your eyes trying to read in this light.
2. noun(a) light; lights; lampalso written as 灯火
   どうか明あかりをつけて下ください。↗

   Turn on the light, please.
3. nounproof (of innocence)

• Synonym灯火とうかWrittenWritten/formal prose for lamplight, as in 「灯火管制」; 「明かり」 is more colloquial and also covers light in general.
• SynonymライトNeutralA loanword for a lamp or light, also for light colors and mild flavors; mostly used of lighting fixtures, car lights and the like.
• SynonymランプWrittenSame word as above: a Western-style oil lamp, i.e. a 「ランプ」; nowadays lamps are generally called 「ランプ」 or 「ライト」.
• Synonym照明しょうめいNeutralLighting equipment or the effect of lighting, common in daily and professional use, as in 「部屋の照明」; 「明かり」 is more colloquial and also the light itself.
• Related電灯でんとうNeutralAn electric light, centered on lamps that run on electricity; 「明かり」 covers light in general, not only electric — moonlight counts too.
• RelatedランプWrittenSame word as above: a Western-style oil lamp, i.e. a 「ランプ」; nowadays lamps are generally called 「ランプ」 or 「ライト」.
• RelatedライトNeutralA loanword for a lamp or light, also for light colors and mild flavors; mostly used of lighting fixtures, car lights and the like.
• Related光源こうげんWrittenA light source; a physical, technical term, while 「明かり」 is the light itself or a lamp, more everyday.
• Related洋灯ようとうWrittenA Western-style oil lamp with a retro feel, rare today — everyday speech says 「ランプ」; 「明かり」 means light in general.
• Antonym闇やみNeutralDarkness, the absence of light — the opposite of 「明かり」, which brings light; also used figuratively for secrecy and despair.

Use 「明かり」 for light or lamplight, as in 「明かりをつける」. For electric lamps say 「電灯」, for indoor lighting 「照明」, in written prose 「灯火」; 「ライト」 covers fixtures and car lights, 「光源」 is technical, 「闇」 is darkness.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. ともしび。