Translation guide
How to express sudden intensification, outburst, or recurrence in Japanese, depending on whether it's fire, emotion, conflict, or a medical condition.
Describing a fire that suddenly burns more brightly or strongly.
Literally 'blaze up', the most direct equivalent for flames flaring up.
火が突然燃え上がった。
The fire suddenly flared up.
Describing anger, passion, or other emotions suddenly becoming stronger.
Metaphorical 'anger flares up', using the same verb as for fire.
彼の言葉に怒りが燃え上がった。
Anger flared up at his words.
Emotions become heightened or excited; often used for sudden surges.
試合中に感情が高ぶった。
Emotions flared up during the match.
Colloquial for suddenly getting angry, like 'fly off the handle'.
彼はすぐカッとなる。
He flares up easily.
Describing fights, arguments, or unrest suddenly starting or intensifying.
Formal term for outbreak of war, conflict, or trouble.
国境で紛争が勃発した。
A conflict flared up at the border.
Literally 'reignite', used for conflicts or controversies that flare up again.
議論が再燃した。
The debate flared up again.
Intensify or escalate, often for conflicts or situations.
抗議活動が激化した。
Protests flared up.
Describing symptoms, pain, or illness that suddenly become worse or return.
Medical term for recurrence of a disease or symptom.
喘息が再発した。
Asthma flared up.
General term for worsening of a condition.
症状が急に悪化した。
Symptoms flared up suddenly.
Colloquial for a symptom or illness returning after seeming to improve.
English 'flare up' is highly metaphorical. Directly translating with fire-related words (燃え上がる) for emotions or conflicts is natural in Japanese, but for medical or social contexts, use specific terms like 再発 or 勃発.
熱がぶり返した。
The fever flared up again.