Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Burn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "burn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
焦げる
こげる (kogeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
焦がす
こがす (kogasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "burn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 焦げる and 焦がす.
In Japanese, 焦げる (こげる (kogeru)) is typically associated with "to burn; to be burned; to get burnt" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to food or other things becoming burnt or scorched. It's an intransitive verb..
On the other hand, 焦がす (こがす (kogasu)) maps to "to burn (something), to scorch" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To accidentally or intentionally burn food or other materials, often resulting in scorching or charring. Metaphorically, it can mean 'to yearn intensely.' 火にかけて物を黒くしたり、炭化させたりする意味です。比喩的に、心をひどく悩ませる意味でも使われます。. A literal translation of "burn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "焦げる"
パンが焦げてしまった。
The bread got burnt.
Bilingual Context for "焦がす"
パンをオーブンに入れすぎて焦がしてしまった。
I left the bread in the oven too long and burned it.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "パンが焦げてしまった。" (Meaning: "The bread got burnt.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "焦げる" fits here because it means "to burn; to be burned; to get burnt" in the context of: "The bread got burnt.". "焦がす" represents "to burn (something), to scorch".