noun
fire pan; brazier
A container for holding fire or embers, used for heating or as a portable fire source.
昔の家では、火入れを使って部屋を暖めた。
In old houses, they used a fire pan to warm the room.
noun
heating; applying heat
General term for applying heat to something, often in industrial or culinary contexts.
この工程では、材料に火入れを行う。
In this process, heat is applied to the material.
noun
first lighting; firing; kindling; igniting
The act of lighting a fire for the first time, especially in a furnace, kiln, or for land management like forest burning.
窯の火入れ式が行われた。
A ceremony for the first lighting of the kiln was held.
野焼きのための火入れは慎重に行う。
Firing for field burning is done carefully.
noun
pasteurization
Specifically refers to pasteurization, often in the context of sake or other beverages.
日本酒の火入れは、品質を保つために重要だ。
Pasteurization of sake is important for preserving its quality.
殺菌 is a general term for sterilization, while 火入れ specifically means pasteurization through heating.
Compound of 火 (hi, 'fire') and 入れ (ire, 'putting in'), from the verb 入れる (ireru). The exact historical derivation of each sense is uncertain, but they all relate to introducing fire or heat.