Translation guide
The English word "fire" covers combustion, shooting, dismissal, and enthusiasm. Japanese uses different words for each meaning. This guide helps you choose the right one.
The physical phenomenon of burning, including flames, heat, and light.
General word for fire, flames, or a fire (as in a fireplace or campfire).
火をつける
to light a fire
The fire went out.
A destructive fire, such as a building fire or wildfire. Use this for fires that cause damage.
A fire broke out.
The house burned down in a fire.
Flame or blaze. More literary or dramatic than 火. Often used in descriptions.
Flames rise up.
Fire disaster. Formal term used in news reports and official contexts.
The act of shooting a gun or other weapon.
Firing a gun. Used as a noun or with する.
to fire a gun
a shooting incident
Shooting, especially as a sport or military activity. Not typically used for criminal shootings.
To fire a gun. More colloquial than 発砲.
He fired a gun.
To terminate someone's employment.
Strong emotion, energy, or motivation.
Passion, enthusiasm. Often used for artistic or romantic passion.
He works with passion.
Enthusiasm, zeal. Often used in work or study contexts.
Motivation, willingness to do something. Common in everyday speech.
The verb 火をつける means 'to light a fire', not 'to fire a gun'. For shooting, use 発砲する or 銃を撃つ.
火 is a general word for fire or flame. 火事 specifically means a destructive fire (building fire, forest fire). Saying 火事をつける is wrong; use 火をつける for lighting a fire.
射撃の練習
shooting practice
社長は彼を首にした
The boss fired him.
遅刻ばかりしてクビになった
I was always late and got fired.
to have enthusiasm
I can't get motivated.