Translation guide
The English word 'flame' refers to the visible, gaseous part of a fire. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 炎 (ほのお), but there are also related words for specific contexts like candle flames, large fires, or metaphorical 'flames' of passion.
The visible, hot, glowing part of a fire.
The most common and general word for 'flame'. Used for flames of any size, from a candle to a bonfire.
The candle flame is flickering.
The flames rose high.
Means 'fire' in general, but can be used to refer to flames in certain contexts, especially when talking about the presence of fire.
More general than 'flame'; use 炎 for the specific visible phenomenon.
A more technical or formal term for 'flame' or 'blaze', often used in compound words or news reports.
A small flame, such as from a lighter or match, or a flame in a specific context.
Used for a small flame, like from a lighter or match, often in phrases like 'give me a light'.
A strong feeling, especially of passion, anger, or love, likened to a flame.
Used metaphorically for intense emotions like passion or anger.
Flames in the context of a large fire or conflagration.
Literally 'hand of fire', used to describe spreading flames in a fire, often in news or dramatic contexts.
Specifically the flame of a candle or oil lamp.
The standard way to say 'candle flame'.
The flame of the candle flickered.
The flame went out.
Flames engulfed the building.
ライターの火を貸して。
Can I get a light? (lit. Lend me your lighter's flame.)
A literary or poetic word for a flame, especially from a lamp or candle, often with a warm or nostalgic nuance.
The lamp flame illuminated the room.
The flames of anger flared up.
A flame of passion was lit in his heart.
Can be used metaphorically, often in set phrases like '火がつく' (to be ignited with emotion).
His words lit a flame in my heart.
The flames spread to the neighboring house.
Also used for large fires, but 火の手 emphasizes the spreading nature.
The flames burned down the town.
I blew out the candle flame.
Means 'light' or 'lamp', but can poetically refer to the flame itself.
A small flame was lit in the room.
I can see a fire.
炎 (ほのお) is the everyday word for flame. 火炎 (かえん) is more formal and often used in compounds like 火炎放射器 (flamethrower) or in news reports. In casual speech, stick to 炎.
flamethrower
Flames engulfed the building.
A flame of anger rose in him.