Translation guide
The English word "incendiary" has two main uses: describing something designed to cause fires, and describing speech or actions intended to provoke strong emotions or conflict. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing weapons, devices, or substances designed to start fires.
The standard technical term for incendiary weapons, especially in military contexts. Often used in compounds like 焼夷弾 (incendiary bomb).
Describing remarks, behavior, or content that is intended to stir up conflict, anger, or strong emotion.
The most common equivalent for 'incendiary' in the sense of provocative or inflammatory speech. Used for rhetoric that incites action or anger.
彼の扇動的な演説が暴動を引き起こした。
His incendiary speech sparked a riot.
扇動的 (sendōteki) emphasizes inciting a group to action, often political. 挑発的 (chōhatsuteki) focuses on provoking an individual or group emotionally, sometimes with a confrontational nuance. For 'incendiary rhetoric', 扇動的 is usually the better fit.
While 焼夷装置 (shōi sōchi) is technically correct, 焼夷弾 (shōidan) for bombs or 発火装置 (hakka sōchi) for igniters are more natural depending on context. Avoid direct translations like 放火装置 (hōka sōchi) unless arson is clearly implied.
その政治家の扇動的な発言は国を二分した。
The politician's incendiary comments divided the nation.
焼夷兵器は国際法で禁止されている。
Incendiary weapons are banned under international law.
Incendiary bombs were dropped on the city.
Means 'ignitable' or 'fire-producing', used for substances or materials that easily catch fire or cause fire.
発火性の液体は厳重に保管しなければならない。
Incendiary liquids must be stored securely.
Specifically means 'for arson', used when referring to devices or materials intended for criminal fire-setting.
警察は放火用の装置を発見した。
The police found an incendiary device.
扇動的な発言は控えるべきだ。
You should refrain from making incendiary remarks.
Means 'provocative' or 'inflammatory', often used for deliberate actions or words meant to provoke a reaction.
その記事は挑発的な内容で批判された。
The article was criticized for its incendiary content.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'like pouring oil on fire', used to describe speech or actions that make a tense situation worse.
彼のコメントは火に油を注ぐようなものだった。
His comment was incendiary, like adding fuel to the fire.
Means 'extreme' or 'radical', sometimes used for incendiary language that is excessively provocative.
過激な発言が物議を醸した。
The incendiary remarks caused controversy.