Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Burn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "burn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
燃える
もえる (moeru)
N4 / 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 燃える and 焦がす.
In Japanese, 燃える (もえる (moeru)) is typically associated with "to burn, to be on fire" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for things catching fire or being consumed by fire. 「ゴミが燃える」「火が燃える」のように使います。.
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 "燃える"
古いゴミが燃えている。
The old garbage is burning.
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: "古いゴミが燃えている。" (Meaning: "The old garbage is burning.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "燃える" fits here because it means "to burn, to be on fire" in the context of: "The old garbage is burning.". "焦がす" represents "to burn (something), to scorch".