Translation guide
A large paper lantern, often hung at temples, shrines, or festivals in Japan. The most common term is 提灯 (chōchin), but other types exist depending on shape and use.
The most common word for a large paper lantern, typically collapsible and used at festivals, restaurants, or temples.
The standard term for a paper lantern, often seen hanging outside izakaya or at festivals. Can be large or small, but context usually clarifies size.
お祭りで大きな提灯が飾られていた。
A large paper lantern was displayed at the festival.
居酒屋の入り口に赤い提灯がぶら下がっている。
A red paper lantern is hanging at the entrance of the izakaya.
Literally 'large lantern', used when emphasizing size. Common at temples or as decorative pieces.
浅草寺の大提灯は有名です。
The giant lantern at Sensoji Temple is famous.
A specific type of round paper lantern, often used during Obon or at shrines.
Lanterns used during the Obon festival to guide ancestral spirits. Often round and hung in rows.
お盆には盆提灯を飾ります。
We display Bon lanterns during the Obon festival.
A small, round paper lantern, often used in pairs at shrines or as garden decorations. Not always large, but can be hung.
A tall, cylindrical paper lantern, sometimes on a stand, used in traditional settings.
A traditional floor or hanging lantern with a wooden frame and paper shade. Often cylindrical. Not always large, but can be sizable.
旅館の廊下に行灯が置いてあった。
An andon lantern was placed in the hallway of the ryokan.
If you need to emphasize 'large', add 大きな (ōkina) before the lantern word, e.g., 大きな提灯 (ōkina chōchin). For giant lanterns, 大提灯 (ōdōchin) is a specific term.
提灯 (chōchin) is the general collapsible paper lantern. 雪洞 (bonbori) is a round, often smaller lantern used in pairs. 行灯 (andon) is a framed lantern, often stationary, and can be floor or hanging.
神社の参道に雪洞が並んでいた。
Bonbori lanterns lined the approach to the shrine.