灯ともし火び

と

も

し

び

JLPTN1

Meanings

noun

Refers to a flame-based light source, often with a traditional or poetic feel. Used for oil lamps, candles, torches, and similar lights. In modern contexts, it can evoke a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

部屋へやの隅すみに小ちいさな灯ともし火びが揺ゆれていた。
A small lamp flickered in the corner of the room.
彼かれは灯ともし火びを手てに暗くらい廊ろう下かを進すすんだ。
He walked down the dark hallway holding a light.

Written forms

灯ともし火びUsage3%
Standard modern spelling.
ともしびUsage89%
燈ともし火びUsage8%
out-dated kanji form
Old-form kanji; 燈 is the kyūjitai of 灯.
灯ともしび
Simplified variant; may be confused with other readings such as あかり or ひ.
燭ともしび
Uncommon kanji; mainly historical or literary.
灯ともし火び
irregular okurigana
Irregular okurigana usage; rarely seen.

Kanji

灯lamp, a light, light
火fire
燈lamp, light, counter for lights
燭light, candlepower

Similar words

明あかり
明かり is a general term for light or illumination, including electric light. 灯火 specifically suggests a flame-based light and carries a more traditional or literary nuance.
ランプ
ランプ is a loanword for lamp, often referring to Western-style oil or kerosene lamps. 灯火 is a native Japanese word with a broader, more poetic range.

Etymology

Compound of 灯 (hi, 'fire, light') + 火 (hi, 'fire'), with the reading ともしび derived from the verb 点す (ともす, 'to light'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used since classical Japanese to refer to a lit flame or lamp.