Translation guide
The English verb 'smolder' describes a slow, smokeless burning, or metaphorically, intense suppressed emotion. This guide covers both literal and figurative uses.
To burn slowly with smoke but no flames, often after the fire has died down.
The most common and natural verb for smoldering, used for fires, embers, or anything burning slowly without flames.
The campfire is still smoldering.
Charcoal was smoldering in the ashes.
Similar to くすぶる but often implies producing more smoke, sometimes used for smoking food or driving away insects.
The damp fallen leaves are smoldering.
Literally 'to burn while raising smoke', a more descriptive phrase for smoldering, but less common than くすぶる.
The scrap wood is smoldering (burning with smoke).
To feel a strong emotion, especially anger or passion, without openly showing it.
Metaphorically extends the burning meaning to describe lingering, unexpressed feelings like resentment or discontent.
Resentment smolders in his heart.
A noun phrase meaning 'hidden passion' or 'smoldering passion', often used in literary or romantic contexts.
Means 'uncontrollable anger' or 'smoldering rage', emphasizing the intensity of the suppressed emotion.
To exist in a suppressed or inactive state, but likely to become active again (e.g., conflict, disease).
Both mean 'smolder', but くすぶる is more common and covers literal and figurative uses. いぶる is more specific to producing smoke and is often used in dialects or for smoking food.
The mosquito coil is smoldering (producing smoke).
While 'smolder' can describe a person's intense look in English (e.g., 'smoldering eyes'), Japanese does not use くすぶる for physical appearance. Instead, use phrases like 燃えるような目つき (burning gaze) or 情熱的な目 (passionate eyes).
Anger still smoldered between them.
She has a smoldering passion inside.
Smoldering rage burned in his eyes.
Regional conflicts are smoldering.
Negotiations broke down, but the embers are still smoldering.