Translation guide
The English word "spark" can refer to a small fiery particle, an electrical discharge, a small amount or trace of something, or a catalyst that triggers something. This guide covers these meanings and their natural Japanese equivalents.
A tiny glowing piece thrown off from a fire, flame, or friction.
The most common and general word for a spark from fire, friction, or impact. Used in everyday contexts.
Sparks flew from the campfire.
Striking rocks together produces sparks.
Literally 'fire powder', often used for sparks or embers flying from a fire, especially in a dangerous or poetic context.
Sparks flew up from the fire.
A brief flash of light and sound caused by electricity jumping a gap.
Also used for electrical sparks, such as from a plug or short circuit.
A spark came out when I unplugged the cord.
Loanword from English, commonly used in technical contexts like engines or electronics.
General term for electrical discharge, including sparks, arcs, etc. More formal and scientific.
A tiny amount or hint of something, often a quality or feeling.
Using 火花 metaphorically for a small amount or trace of something, similar to English 'a spark of'. Often used with words like 生命 (life), 才能 (talent), etc.
There was still a spark of life in his eyes.
Means 'a piece' or 'a fragment', used for small amounts of abstract things like kindness or truth.
Means 'a fragment' or 'a bit', often used for emotions or qualities.
Something that sets off a reaction, event, or inspiration.
The most common word for a trigger, opportunity, or impetus that starts something.
That movie was the spark that launched his career.
Literally 'fire seed', used metaphorically for the spark that ignites a conflict, movement, or idea.
Literally 'trigger' (of a gun), used for the immediate cause of an event, often negative.
Means 'flash of inspiration' or 'bright idea', used for a creative spark.
The vital principle or energy in a living being.
While 火花 can be used metaphorically, it is not the most natural choice for 'spark' meaning a trigger or catalyst. Use きっかけ or 引き金 instead.
That one word was the spark that helped him recover.
火花 is the general term for sparks from any source (fire, electricity, impact). 火の粉 specifically refers to flying sparks or embers from a fire, often with a nuance of danger or poetic imagery.
エンジンのスパークプラグを交換した。
I replaced the engine's spark plugs.
静電気の放電で火花が発生した。
A spark occurred due to static electricity discharge.
彼の言葉には一片の真実もなかった。
There wasn't a spark of truth in his words.
彼女にはひとかけらの嫉妬もなかった。
She didn't have a spark of jealousy.
If there's some spark, he can change.
That incident became the spark for the war.
その発言が暴動の引き金になった。
That remark sparked the riot.
突然の閃きで問題が解けた。
A sudden spark of inspiration solved the problem.
There was no spark of life in his face.