Translation guide
The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. In Japanese, the core term is 放火, but related words like 放火罪 (the crime of arson) and 火事 (fire) are also important. This guide covers how to talk about arson naturally in Japanese.
To refer to the act of deliberately setting fire to a building, vehicle, or other property.
The standard term for arson. Used in news, legal contexts, and everyday speech.
The police arrested a man on suspicion of arson.
The fire was caused by arson.
Literally 'to set fire'. A more colloquial way to describe the act, often used in crime reports or casual talk.
It seems someone set fire to the warehouse.
The crime of arson. Used in legal contexts.
He was indicted for arson.
A somewhat dated or literary term for arson, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
In the Edo period, arson was a serious crime.
To refer to a person who commits arson.
To state that a fire was intentionally set, often in news reports.
火事 (かじ) simply means 'fire' (as in a building fire). It does not imply intent. Use 放火 when you specifically mean arson.
There was a fire, but it wasn't arson.
放火 is often combined with other kanji to form legal terms, e.g., 現住建造物等放火罪 (arson of an inhabited structure). For everyday use, 放火 alone is sufficient.
He was convicted of arson.
The fire department suspects arson.
連続放火魔がついに逮捕された。
The serial arsonist was finally arrested.
The police are investigating on suspicion of arson.