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.
警察は放火の疑いで男を逮捕した。
The police arrested a man on suspicion of arson.
その火事は放火によるものだった。
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.
誰かが倉庫に火をつけたらしい。
It seems someone set fire to the warehouse.
The crime of arson. Used in legal contexts.
彼は放火罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for arson.
A somewhat dated or literary term for arson, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
江戸時代、付け火は重罪だった。
In the Edo period, arson was a serious crime.
To refer to a person who commits arson.
Standard term for an arsonist, used in news and legal contexts.
放火犯はまだ捕まっていない。
The arsonist hasn't been caught yet.
Implies a serial arsonist or someone with a compulsion to set fires. Often used in media.
To state that a fire was intentionally set, often in news reports.
A common phrase meaning 'a fire caused by arson'.
昨夜の火事は放火によるものと見られている。
Last night's fire is believed to have been caused by arson.
Means 'suspected arson'. Used when the cause is not yet confirmed.
警察は放火の疑いで捜査している。
The police are investigating on suspicion of arson.
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.
火事があったが、放火ではない。
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.
彼は放火罪で有罪判決を受けた。
He was convicted of arson.
消防は放火の疑いがあると見ている。
The fire department suspects arson.
The serial arsonist was finally arrested.