Translation guide
A fire used to send a signal, often from a distance. In Japanese, the most common term is のろし, which refers to smoke signals or beacon fires used historically for communication. Other terms exist for specific contexts like lighthouses or emergency flares.
A fire lit on a hill or tower to send a message over a distance, especially in historical or military contexts.
The standard word for a smoke signal or beacon fire used for communication, often in historical settings. Can be written as 狼煙 or 烽火.
They lit a signal fire to warn that the enemy was coming.
A more literary or historical term for a beacon fire, often used in the same contexts as のろし.
In ancient China, they used beacon fires to signal enemy invasions.
An alternative kanji for のろし, literally 'wolf smoke'. Rarely used in modern writing.
Send a signal by lighting a smoke signal.
A fire lit to attract attention in an emergency, such as by a stranded person.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a fire to call for help'. Natural when explaining the purpose.
They lit a fire to signal for help.
Literally 'distress signal fire'. More technical, used in survival or maritime contexts.
A modern device that produces a bright flame or smoke, used for signaling, especially at sea or in emergencies.
A fixed structure with a fire or light used as a navigational signal, especially for ships.
Lighthouse. While not a 'fire' in the modern sense, historically they used fires. This is the standard term.
The lighthouse light guides ships passing offshore.
A bonfire or watch fire, sometimes used as a signal or beacon in historical contexts. Not specifically a lighthouse.
のろし refers to traditional smoke/beacon fires used historically, while 信号弾 is a modern pyrotechnic flare. Use のろし for historical or fantasy settings, and 信号弾 for modern emergency or military signaling.
The direct translation '信号の火' is not a common phrase and may sound unnatural. Use のろし or a more specific term depending on the context.
They lit a distress signal fire and waited for rescue.
The flare lit up the night sky.
海岸にかがり火をたいて、船に合図を送った。
They lit a bonfire on the shore to signal the ships.