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.
Please gather some kindling.
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.
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.
We don't have enough firewood/kindling.
The learner wants to specifically refer to small branches or twigs used to start a fire.
The learner wants to refer to shaved wood or chips used to start 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.
I gathered wood chips and started a fire.
キャンプ用の着火剤を持ってきた。
I brought fire starters for camping.