Translation guide
How to express the concept of 'ignition' in Japanese, covering starting engines, lighting fires, and figurative uses.
The act of starting a car, motorcycle, or other engine-driven machine.
The most direct translation for 'ignition' as the act of igniting fuel in an engine. Commonly used in technical contexts.
There is a problem with the engine's ignition.
The most natural way to say 'start the engine' in everyday Japanese. This is what you say when you turn the key or push the start button.
Please start the car's engine.
The loanword from English, used in automotive contexts, especially for the ignition switch or system.
Please turn the ignition key.
Means 'starting' (a machine). Often used in compounds like エンジン始動 (engine start). More formal or technical.
Press the engine start button.
The act of causing something to catch fire, such as a stove, candle, or campfire.
Used for igniting gas stoves, lighters, fireworks, etc. The general term for causing combustion.
Ignite the gas stove.
The everyday phrase for 'light a fire' or 'set fire to'. More colloquial than 点火.
Means 'ignition' or 'catching fire'. Often used in technical or safety contexts, like the ignition point of materials.
The beginning of something, like a conflict, idea, or movement.
Figuratively means 'to spark' or 'ignite' a situation, often used for conflicts or passions.
His speech ignited the revolution.
Literally 'trigger', used figuratively for the event that sets off a chain reaction.
Literally 'ignition point', used metaphorically for the critical moment something starts.
点火 (てんか) is more technical and often used for engines, gas appliances, or formal contexts. 火をつける is the everyday phrase for lighting a fire and is also used figuratively. For starting a car, エンジンをかける is the most natural choice.
Start the engine vs ignite the engine (technical)
点火 is only for combustion. For turning on lights or electronics, use つける (e.g., 電気をつける).
ろうそくに火をつける。
Light a candle.
This substance ignites easily at low temperatures.
その事件が戦争の引き金となった。
That incident was the ignition for the war.
その発言が議論の発火点になった。
That remark became the ignition point of the debate.