Translation guide
The English word "inflammatory" has two main uses: one literal (causing physical inflammation) and one figurative (provoking strong emotions or conflict). This guide helps learners express both meanings naturally in Japanese.
Describing something that causes swelling, redness, or irritation in the body.
Standard medical term meaning 'inflammatory' (literally 'of inflammatory nature'). Used in formal or technical contexts.
これは炎症性の疾患です。
This is an inflammatory disease.
Verb phrase meaning 'to cause inflammation'. More common in everyday explanations.
Describing speech, writing, or actions that are intended to cause anger, controversy, or unrest.
Means 'provocative' or 'inflammatory'. Commonly used for speech or actions that deliberately provoke a reaction.
彼の挑発的な発言が論争を引き起こした。
His inflammatory remarks sparked a controversy.
Do not directly translate 'inflammatory' as '火をつけるような' (like setting fire) in figurative contexts; it sounds unnatural. Use the provided options instead.
挑発的 (provocative) focuses on provoking a reaction, often anger or annoyance. 扇動的 (incendiary) implies stirring up a crowd to action, often with political overtones. Choose based on the intended effect.
この物質は皮膚に炎症を起こすことがあります。
This substance can cause inflammation on the skin.
Means 'irritating' or 'causing irritation'. Used for substances that provoke a reaction, not necessarily full inflammation.
刺激性の化学物質に注意してください。
Be careful with irritating chemicals.
Means 'incendiary' or 'rabble-rousing'. Often used for speech that incites people to action, especially in political contexts.
扇動的な演説は禁止されています。
Inflammatory speeches are prohibited.
Means 'emotional' or 'heated'. Can describe language that is inflammatory due to strong emotion rather than deliberate provocation.
感情的な言葉を使わないでください。
Please don't use inflammatory language.
Means 'extreme' or 'radical'. Can be used for inflammatory content that is extreme in nature.
その記事は過激な内容を含んでいた。
The article contained inflammatory content.