Translation guide
Small, dry materials used to start a fire. In Japanese, the most common word is 焚き付け (takitsuke), but other terms exist depending on context.
The learner wants to refer to small sticks, twigs, or shavings used to start a fire.
The standard, everyday word for kindling. Refers to small pieces of wood or other flammable material used to start a fire.
焚き付けを集めてください。
Please gather some kindling.
乾いた焚き付けが必要です。
We need dry kindling.
Literally 'fire-lighting', can refer to kindling or the act of starting a fire. Less common than 焚き付け but still understood.
火付け用の小枝を探そう。
Let's look for small twigs for kindling.
A broader term for fuel or firewood, but can include kindling. More often used for firewood in general.
焚き物が足りない。
We don't have enough firewood/kindling.
The learner wants to specifically refer to small branches or twigs used to start a fire.
Means 'small branch' or 'twig'. Often used in the context of gathering kindling.
小枝を折って焚き付けにした。
I broke twigs to use as kindling.
Similar to 小枝, meaning 'thin branch' or 'slender twig'.
細枝はよく燃える。
Thin twigs burn well.
The learner wants to refer to shaved wood or chips used to start a fire.
Wood shavings, often from planing or carving. Excellent for kindling.
削り屑を焚き付けに使う。
I use wood shavings as kindling.
Wood chips or scraps, often leftover from woodworking. Can be used as kindling.
木っ端を集めて火をおこした。
I gathered wood chips and started a fire.
The learner wants to talk about any material used to start a fire, not just wood.
焚き付け is the most direct translation, but in casual conversation, Japanese speakers might simply say 火をつけるもの (something to start a fire) or describe the material (e.g., 新聞紙 newspaper).
There is no single word that covers all nuances of 'kindling'. Using 焚き付け is safe, but be aware that in some contexts, more specific terms like 小枝 or 削り屑 are more natural.
キャンプ用の着火剤を持ってきた。
I brought fire starters for camping.