照明

• Reading: しょうめい
• Romaji: shoumei
• Kanji breakdown: 照 (shou) — illuminate, shine; 明 (mei) — bright, clear
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.meː/

Meaning

Illumination; lighting. The arrangement or provision of light in a space.

A noun that can also be used as a する-verb (照明する). 照明 refers to the provision of light, whether natural or artificial. Common in architecture, interior design, theater, and daily life contexts. Common compounds include 照明器具 (lighting fixtures) and 照明デザイン (lighting design). Note: distinct from 証明 (proof), which shares the same reading.

Examples

1. 部屋の照明を暗くして映画を見た。 I dimmed the room lighting and watched a movie.
2. この店は照明がおしゃれで雰囲気がいい。 This restaurant has stylish lighting and a nice atmosphere.
3. LED照明は電気代が安くて長持ちする。 LED lighting is cheap on electricity and lasts a long time.

Usage Guide

Context: interior design, architecture, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 照 (illuminate, shine) and 明 (bright, clear). Together they mean to make things bright or clear through light.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal