電灯・電燈|でんとうdentou[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounelectric light
   ルーシーは電灯でんとうのスイッチをつけた。↗

   Lucy turned on the light switch.

• SynonymライトNeutralLoanword for light or lighting, as in 「ライトをつける」. Its range is broader than that of 「電灯」, taking in car lights and flashlights too.
• SynonymランプWrittenThe same word as above — a Western-style lamp. In ordinary usage people say 「ランプ」 rather than 「洋灯」.
• Synonym照明しょうめいNeutralLighting or illumination: the equipment, function, or light that brightens a space, as in 「照明器具」「部屋の照明」.
• Related明かりあかりNeutralRefers to light or a glow, as in 「明かりをつける」. Not limited to electric lights, and it carries a warm feeling.
• Related灯火とうかWrittenThe same word as 「明かり」 above, also spelled 「灯火」 or 「灯り」; it means light or a glow, not specifically an electric light.
• RelatedランプWrittenThe same word as above — a Western-style lamp. In ordinary usage people say 「ランプ」 rather than 「洋灯」.
• Related洋灯ようとうWrittenWritten-style word for a Western-style oil lamp; it has a Meiji-era flavour and can't stand in for 「電灯」.

For an electric light, 「電灯」 is the default. Use 「明かり」 or 「ライト」 for light in general, 「照明」 for lighting equipment or illumination, and 「洋灯」 — usually 「ランプ」 in speech — for a Western-style oil lamp.

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

1. 電気でんきエネルギーを利用りようして照明しょうめいを得える装置そうちの総称そうしょう。電気でんき。