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 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.
The beginning of something, like a conflict, idea, or movement.
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.
エンジンをかける vs エンジンに点火する
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).
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.
車のエンジンをかけてください。
Please start the car's engine.
The loanword from English, used in automotive contexts, especially for the ignition switch or system.
イグニッションキーを回してください。
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.
エンジン始動ボタンを押す。
Press the engine start button.
ガスコンロに点火する。
Ignite the gas stove.
The everyday phrase for 'light a fire' or 'set fire to'. More colloquial than 点火.
ろうそくに火をつける。
Light a candle.
Means 'ignition' or 'catching fire'. Often used in technical or safety contexts, like the ignition point of materials.
この物質は低温で着火しやすい。
This substance ignites easily at low temperatures.
Figuratively means 'to spark' or 'ignite' a situation, often used for conflicts or passions.
彼の演説が革命に火をつけた。
His speech ignited the revolution.
Literally 'trigger', used figuratively for the event that sets off a chain reaction.
その事件が戦争の引き金となった。
That incident was the ignition for the war.
Literally 'ignition point', used metaphorically for the critical moment something starts.
その発言が議論の発火点になった。
That remark became the ignition point of the debate.