Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'lamp' depends on the type and context. The most common general term is 電気 (denki), which literally means 'electricity' but is used for any electric light. For a standalone lamp (like a desk or floor lamp), スタンド (sutando) is common. Traditional lamps are ランプ (ranpu) or 灯 (akari).
Referring to any electric light fixture, including ceiling lights, lamps, etc.
Literally 'electricity', but in everyday speech it means 'electric light'. Use this for turning on/off the light, or referring to a light fixture in a room.
電気をつけてください。
Please turn on the light.
部屋の電気が切れた。
The light in the room went out.
Means 'light' in a general sense, often used for the light emitted by a lamp or any source. Can be used for lamps, candles, etc.
ランプの明かりで本を読む。
Read a book by the light of a lamp.
A movable lamp with a base and shade, like a desk lamp or floor lamp.
Short for 'desk stand' or 'floor stand'. Refers to a lamp that stands on a desk or floor. Often used for desk lamps.
スタンドをつけて勉強する。
Turn on the desk lamp and study.
A lamp that uses oil or a flame, often old-fashioned.
Loanword from English 'lamp', but in Japanese it typically refers to an oil lamp or a traditional lamp, not a modern electric one.
昔はランプを使っていた。
In the old days, they used oil lamps.
Can mean 'lamp' or 'light' in a poetic or traditional sense. Often used in compound words.
灯をともす。
Light a lamp.
A traditional Japanese paper-covered lamp with a candle or oil.
A lamp used for lighting streets or outdoor areas.
Street lamp, street light.
街灯が暗くて道が見えにくい。
The street lamps are dim and it's hard to see the road.
Outdoor light, often attached to a house or building.
玄関の外灯を点ける。
Turn on the outdoor light at the entrance.
The word ランプ usually refers to oil lamps or traditional lamps. For a modern electric lamp, use 電気 or スタンド.
新しいスタンドを買った。
I bought a new lamp.
More explicit: 'electric stand'. Same as スタンド but clearer.
電気スタンドを買い替えた。
I replaced my desk lamp.
Specifically a floor lamp.
リビングにフロアスタンドを置いた。
I put a floor lamp in the living room.
旅館の廊下に行灯が置いてあった。
There was an andon lamp in the hallway of the inn.