灰かい燼じん

noun

ash; embers; complete destruction

Often used in the set phrase 灰燼に帰す (かいじんにきす), meaning 'to be reduced to ashes' or 'to be completely destroyed'. Carries a literary or dramatic tone.

• 大たい火かで町まちは灰かい燼じんに帰きした。

  The town was reduced to ashes by the great fire.

• 戦せん争そうで多おおくの都と市しが灰かい燼じんと化かした。

  Many cities were turned to ashes by the war.