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.
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.
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.
The politician's incendiary comments divided the nation.
Incendiary bombs were dropped on the city.
Means 'ignitable' or 'fire-producing', used for substances or materials that easily catch fire or cause fire.
Incendiary liquids must be stored securely.
Specifically means 'for arson', used when referring to devices or materials intended for criminal fire-setting.
The police found an incendiary device.
His incendiary speech sparked a riot.
You should refrain from making incendiary remarks.
Means 'provocative' or 'inflammatory', often used for deliberate actions or words meant to provoke a reaction.
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.
His comment was incendiary, like adding fuel to the fire.
Means 'extreme' or 'radical', sometimes used for incendiary language that is excessively provocative.
The incendiary remarks caused controversy.
焼夷兵器は国際法で禁止されている。
Incendiary weapons are banned under international law.