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
焦げる
こげる (kogeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "burn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 燃える and 焦げる.
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, 焦げる (こげる (kogeru)) maps to "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.. 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 "焦げる"
パンが焦げてしまった。
The bread got burnt.
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.". "焦げる" represents "to burn; to be burned; to get burnt".