Kanji for 'Fire' in Japanese: 火 or 炎?

August 10, 2023

Welcome to our enlightening exploration of Japanese kanji!

Today, we're igniting our understanding of a primal force of nature - "fire". So, what is the kanji for 'fire'? The Japanese language possesses two main kanji to depict this blazing element: 火 and 炎. Diving into the meanings, readings, and cultural importance of these characters illuminates the fascinating facets of Japanese culture and language.

Whether you're a budding linguist, a Japanese culture enthusiast, or someone wanting to fire up their language abilities, this article is here to guide you.

Let's set our learning ablaze and venture into the world of fire, Japanese style!

The Origins of 火 and 炎

1. Origin of 火 (Fire)

This kanji, at its core, represents fire. In ancient script forms, it resembled the flickering flames of a fire. Over time, its representation became more stylized, but the essence remained true to its fiery origins.

2. Origin of 炎 (Blaze/Flames)

炎 consists of two 火 characters stacked on top of each other, emphasizing the intensity and vigor of a blaze. When you see this kanji, think of roaring flames, a bonfire, or an intense fire.

Next, let's see how to read those kanji and common vocabulary words using them.

But before that, are you learning Japanese but struggling remembering your kanji? Here at Hirakan, we make everyday life products that help you remember your Japanese. Check out our JLPT N5 kanji:

It contains all kanji necessary to pass the JLPT N5. And it makes a pretty stylish wall decor if you ask us. Take a look at the JLPTN N5 poster here!

Readings of 火 and 炎

1. 火 (Fire)

火 onyomi and kunyomi readings

Kanji	Onyomi	Kunyomi
火	カ - ka	ひ - hi

Vocabulary words containing 火:

火 (ひ - hi) = fire
火曜日 (かようび - kayoubi) = Tuesday (Fire day)
火山 (かざん - kazan) = volcano
火事 (かじ - kaji) = fire (as in an event, like a house fire)
花火 (はなび - hanabi) = fireworks
火花 (ひばな - hibana) = spark
火災 (かさい - kasai) = fire disaster, conflagration
点火 (てんか - tenka) = ignition
火力 (かりょく - karyoku) = firepower
火気 (かけ - kake) = open flame
火傷 (やけど - yakedo) = burn (injury)
火口 (かこう - kakou) = crater
火箸 (ひばし - hibashi) = metal chopsticks (for cooking)
火種 (ひだね - hidane) = source of trouble, cause of fire
火星 (かせい - kasei) = Mars (the planet)
防火 (ぼうか - bouka) = fire prevention
出火 (しゅっか - shukka) = outbreak of fire

2. 炎 (Blaze/Flames)

炎 onyomi and kunyomi readings

Kanji	Onyomi	Kunyomi
炎	エン - en	ほのお - honoo

Vocabulary words containing 炎:

炎 (ほのお - honoo) = flame
炎上 (えんじょう - enjou) = going up in flames, becoming viral (internet)
炎症 (えんしょう - enshou) = inflammation
耳炎 (じえん - jien) = otitis, ear inflammation
炎熱 (えんねつ - ennetsu) = scorching heat
火炎 (かえん - kaen) = flame, blaze
炎天 (えんてん - enten) = blazing sun
炎暑 (えんしょ - ensho) = intense heat
炎天下 (えんてんか - entenka) = under the blazing sun
気管支炎 (きかんしえん - kikanshien) = bronchitis
炎風 (えんぷう - enpuu) = blazing wind (often used in context of a big fire)
胆石炎 (たんせきえん - tansekien) = cholecystitis, gallbladder inflammation
結膜炎 (けつまくえん - ketsumakuen) = conjunctivitis
腸炎 (ちょうえん - chouen) = enteritis, inflammation of the intestines
火炎瓶 (かえんびん - kaenbin) = Molotov cocktail

The Cultural Tapestry of 火 and 炎 in Japan

Fire, both as an elemental force and a cultural symbol, has a rich history in Japan. From festivals like 火祭り (Himatsuri - Fire Festival) that celebrate the power and energy of fire, to spiritual practices where fire represents purification, illumination, and transformation, the kanji 火 and 炎 play a pivotal role in Japanese cultural narratives.

Wrap-up

From the warm embers of a hearth to the raging flames of a bonfire, the kanji for 'fire' – 火 and 炎 – encompass the spectrum of fiery expressions in the Japanese language. As you continue your journey through the world of kanji, remember: every character is a doorway into a realm of history, culture, and profound meaning.

See as well:

Keep your passion for learning alight, and every new kanji you master will be a testament to your growing understanding of the Japanese language and its rich tapestry of stories.