灯す

• Reading: ともす
• Romaji: tomosu
• Kanji breakdown: 灯 (tomo/tō) — light, lamp, lantern
• Pronunciation: /to.mo.sɯ/

Meaning

To light; to ignite; to kindle a light or flame.

A Group 1 (godan) verb from 灯 (tomoshibi — lantern light, candlelight). 灯す is the elegant, literary verb for lighting a candle, lamp, or lantern. It is less common in modern daily speech (where 点ける — tsukeru — is used for electric lights), but remains prevalent in literary, poetic, and metaphorical contexts. Figuratively, 希望の灯を灯す (to kindle the flame of hope) is a well-established idiom.

Examples

1. 祭りの夜、川沿いに無数の提灯が灯され、幻想的な雰囲気を醸し出した。 On the night of the festival, countless lanterns were lit along the riverbank, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
2. 停電の中、彼女はろうそくを一本灯して暗い部屋を照らした。 In the power cut, she lit a single candle to illuminate the dark room.
3. その小さな活動は、地域社会に希望の灯を灯すきっかけとなった。 That small activity became the impetus for kindling a flame of hope in the local community.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, festivals, metaphor, nature

Tone: poetic

Origin & History

Denominative verb from 灯 (tomoshibi — torch, candle, lantern light). 灯 combines 火 (fire) and a phonetic element, and has been used for artificial light sources since the Heian period.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal