Translation guide
A window set into a roof or ceiling to admit natural light. In Japanese, the most common term is 天窓 (てんまど). There are also architectural variants and related expressions.
天窓
skylight
A window installed in a roof to let in daylight.
The standard word for a skylight in houses and buildings. Literally 'ceiling window'.
リビングに天窓をつけたら、部屋が明るくなった。
When we installed a skylight in the living room, the room became brighter.
Loanword from English 'top light'. Often used in architectural or design contexts, and can refer to any overhead daylight opening, including clerestory windows.
この美術館のトップライトは、自然光を効果的に取り入れている。
The skylights in this museum effectively bring in natural light.
Literally 'light-taking window'. A traditional or descriptive term for any window whose main purpose is to admit light, including high side windows or small roof windows.
古い日本家屋では、明かり取り窓がよく使われていた。
In old Japanese houses, skylight windows were often used.
A skylight that can be opened for ventilation.
Specifically an operable skylight. Use this when you need to distinguish from fixed skylights.
開閉式天窓なら、風通しも良くなります。
With an operable skylight, ventilation improves as well.
A skylight that does not open, only provides light.
A fixed skylight. Commonly used in product descriptions or architectural plans.
固定式天窓は、雨漏りの心配が少ない。
Fixed skylights have less risk of leaking.