炎 — meaning in English: flame

honō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for flame

エンジン

enjin

炎

honō

テーブル

tēburu

愛

ロック

rokku

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 炎 (honō) when discussing fire in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example, you might hear it in conversations about cooking, such as the vibrant flames of a barbecue, or in literature to describe intense emotions like passion.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 火 (hi), which simply means 'fire' but lacks the intensity and visual imagery that 炎 (honō) conveys. You would choose 炎 when you want to evoke stronger emotions or a more vivid image of flame, particularly in artistic or poetic contexts.

Culture

The character 炎 (honō) has a fascinating etymology, combining the radicals for 'fire' and 'flame,' which emphasizes warmth and energy. In Japanese culture, flames are often symbolic of transformation and renewal, seen in festivals like the Bonfire Night where the vibrant flames drive away evil spirits.

FAQ

Q.What does 炎 mean in English?

炎 (honō) translates to 'flame' in English, referring to the visible, gaseous part of a fire that emits light and heat.

Q.How do you use 炎 in a sentence?

You can use 炎 in a sentence like: '彼女の心には炎が燃えている' (Kanojo no kokoro ni wa honō ga moete iru), meaning 'There is a flame burning in her heart.' This illustrates intense emotion or passion.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 炎?

A common mistake is using 炎 in place of 火 (hi) when referring to fire in general. Remember, 炎 (honō) is more descriptive and typically used in contexts emphasizing vivid or emotional aspects of fire.

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