Translation and Meaning of: 炙る - aburu

If you have ever wondered how to say "to burn" in Japanese, the word 炙る [あぶる] is one of the most interesting to learn. Besides its literal meaning, it carries cultural nuances and a pictogram that reveals a lot about its origin. In this article, you will discover the etymology of 炙る, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and even tips to memorize its kanji effortlessly. And if you are studying with flashcards on Anki, get ready to add practical examples that will boost your vocabulary!

The Kanji 炙る and Its Curious Origin

The kanji 炙 is made up of two radicals: 火 (fire) at the bottom and 者 (person) simplified at the top. Together, they create the image of someone exposed to the heat of the flames — literally, "to be touched by fire." This visual combination is not by chance: in the past, あぶる was used to describe the act of drying or toasting food over the fire, such as fish or meat.

A fascinating detail is that, although today the verb can also indicate burning something in a generic way, its traditional use maintains this connection with cooking. Those who have tried あぶり焼き (aburi-yaki), a dish where ingredients are lightly scorched, know that the technique enhances flavors in a unique way. This relationship between language and gastronomy shows how Japanese unites meaning and culture.

How to Use 炙る in Everyday Life

In practice, あぶる appears in various contexts. It can range from roasting marshmallows over a fire (マシュマロをあぶる) to metaphorical situations, such as "suffering under intense gazes" (視線にあぶられる). A valuable tip: in recipes, it often indicates a quick process — unlike 焼く (to bake for a longer time).

On Japanese social media, the hashtag #あぶり is full of photos of freshly toasted foods. And here’s a trick to : imagine the kanji as a skewer being turned over the flames (the upper diagonal stroke would be the stick!). This visual association helps to reinforce both the writing and the meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions and Related Searches

Many people research whether 炙る and 燃やす (to burn completely) are synonyms. The answer? Not exactly. While the first suggests a controlled action (like toasting), the second implies destruction by fire. Another common question is about the reading: although あぶる is the most usual, in compounds like 炙り出し (aburidashi), it is read as あぶり.

Interestingly, the verb also appears in less literal expressions. In Kansai, for example, saying あぶない (dangerous) with exaggerated intonation can turn into a joke with the sound of あぶる. These word plays show how even simple take on a life of their own in colloquial Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 炙る

• 炙る Dictionary form
• 炙られる ive
• 炙って Te-forma
• 炙ります Polite way

Synonyms and similar words

• 燻す (kusubusu) - To smoke, to give a smoky flavor
• 焼く (yaku) - Cooking, baking, or grilling
• 焙る (aburu) - Toast or roast with heat
• 焦がす (kogasu) - Intentionally setting something on fire
• 焦げる (kogeru) - Burn (as a result of an action, not intentional)
• 焦がれる (kogareru) - To yearn or intensely desire something.
• 焦がれさせる (kogaresaseru) - To make someone yearn or intensely desire something
• 焦がすように見つめる (kogasu you ni mitsumeru) - Gazing intensely as if burning
• 焦がれるように見つめる (kogareru you ni mitsumeru) - Gaze intensely with longing or desire
• 焦がれるように待つ (kogareru you ni matsu) - Waiting with anticipation
• 焦がれるように願う (kogareru you ni negau) - To long for something intensely