Translation guide
How to express that something starts burning, either accidentally or intentionally, in natural Japanese.
Something catches fire by accident, often due to a spark, overheating, or carelessness.
Literally 'fire attaches'. The most common and neutral way to say something catches fire, often accidentally.
Someone deliberately causes something to catch fire, like lighting a match or starting a campfire.
Something like a trend, idea, or emotion spreads rapidly like fire.
Same phrase as accidental fire, but used figuratively for trends or emotions catching on.
The English phrase 'catch fire' cannot be directly translated word-for-word. Use the expressions above depending on whether it's accidental or intentional.
catch fire (literal, unnatural)
The oil caught fire.
The paper left near the heater caught fire.
Means 'to ignite' or 'catch fire' from a spark or flame. Often used in technical or safety contexts.
Gasoline catches fire easily.
Means 'to start burning'. Emphasizes the beginning of combustion.
The fallen leaves suddenly caught fire.
Literally 'fire comes out'. Used when flames appear, often from a device or due to a malfunction.
Fire came out of the outlet.
Literally 'attach fire'. The standard way to say 'set fire to' or 'light' something.
He lit the bonfire.
Please light the candle.
Means 'to ignite' or 'light' in a more formal or technical sense, like lighting a stove or engine.
Light the gas stove.
Transitive verb meaning 'to burn' something. Focuses on the act of burning rather than just starting the fire.
He burned the old letters.
That video caught fire on social media.
Means 'to blaze up' or 'flare up'. Used for emotions like passion or anger.
Anger flared up in his heart.