‘灯塔’ (dēng tǎ) literally means ‘light tower’ — combining 灯 (dēng), meaning ‘lamp’ or ‘light’, and 塔 (tǎ), meaning ‘tower’. It refers to a tall, sturdy structure built along coastlines or on islands, equipped with a powerful light that guides ships safely at night or in foggy weather. Historically vital for maritime navigation, lighthouses are often iconic landmarks symbolizing safety, guidance, and vigilance.

In modern usage, ‘灯塔’ appears both literally (e.g., describing actual coastal structures) and figuratively — as a metaphor for someone or something that provides moral direction, inspiration, or clarity in difficult times. It’s commonly used in literature, speeches, and idiomatic expressions like ‘人生的灯塔’ (a lighthouse in life), emphasizing its symbolic weight beyond physical function.