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.
ろうそくの炎が揺れている。
The candle flame is flickering.
炎が高く上がった。
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.
火が消えた。
The flame went out.
A more technical or formal term for 'flame' or 'blaze', often used in compound words or news reports.
火炎が建物を包んだ。
Flames engulfed the building.
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'.
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.
A strong feeling, especially of passion, anger, or love, likened to a flame.
Used metaphorically for intense emotions like passion or anger.
怒りの炎が燃え上がった。
The flames of anger flared up.
彼の心に情熱の炎が灯った。
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).
彼の言葉で心に火がついた。
His words lit a flame in my heart.
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.
火の手が隣の家に広がった。
The flames spread to the neighboring house.
Also used for large fires, but 火の手 emphasizes the spreading nature.
Specifically the flame of a candle or oil lamp.
The standard way to say 'candle flame'.
ろうそくの炎を吹き消した。
I blew out the candle flame.
Means 'light' or 'lamp', but can poetically refer to the flame itself.
部屋に小さな灯がともっていた。
A small flame was lit in the room.
While 火 (ひ) can mean 'fire' and sometimes 'flame', 炎 (ほのお) specifically refers to the visible flame. Using 火 when you mean the flickering flame can sound vague. Use 炎 for the visual phenomenon.
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.
火炎放射器
flamethrower
ろうそくの炎が揺れた。
The flame of the candle flickered.
炎が建物を包み込んだ。
Flames engulfed the building.
彼の中で怒りの炎が燃え上がった。
A flame of anger rose in him.
The lamp flame illuminated the room.
The flames burned down the town.