灯ともる

と

も

る

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

Describes a light source (candle, lamp, light bulb, etc.) being in a lit or burning state. Intransitive; the subject is the light itself.

部屋へやに明あかりが灯ともっている。
A light is on in the room.
ろうそくが静しずかに灯ともる。
The candle burns quietly.

Written forms

灯るUsage37%
- ともる
  Standard modern kanji for 'to be lit'.
- とぼる
ともるUsage48%
Kana spelling; used when the kanji is avoided or for clarity.
点るUsage13%
- ともる
  Alternate kanji; less common than 灯る.
- とぼる
燈るUsage2%
out-dated kanji form
- ともる
  Out-dated kanji form (kyūjitai of 灯).
- とぼる
とぼる

Kanji

灯lamp, a light, light
点spot, point, mark
燈lamp, light, counter for lights

Similar words

灯ともす
Transitive counterpart: 'to light (a candle, lamp, etc.)'. 灯る is intransitive, describing the state of being lit.
点つく
More general intransitive verb for 'to be turned on' (lights, electrical appliances). 灯る is more literary and often associated with flames or traditional lighting.

Etymology

The reading ともる is likely derived from the transitive verb 灯す (ともす). The alternate reading とぼる is a rare variant. The kanji 灯/燈 carries the meaning of 'lamp' or 'light'.