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
燃やす
もやす (moyasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "burn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 燃える and 燃やす.
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, 燃やす (もやす (moyasu)) maps to "to burn (something), to set fire to" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 他のものを火で焼く、または燃える状態にすることを意味します。主に他動詞として使われます。. 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 "燃やす"
ゴミを燃やすと、煙がたくさん出ます。
When you burn garbage, a lot of smoke comes out.
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.". "燃やす" represents "to burn (something), to set fire to".