How to say "ash" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 灰はいnounThe default word for ash and ashes, whether from a cigarette, a fire, or a cremation. Use this in everyday contexts; other choices here are for specialized or restricted senses.
- nounA loanword spelled in katakana, covering the same basic sense of ash. It is less common than 灰 and you will seldom need it; write or say 灰 instead.
- 灰燼かいじんnounA literary word for ash and embers, also used figuratively for complete destruction, as in something reduced to ashes. Suits written, elevated prose rather than everyday talk.
- 灰分かいぶんnounThe technical term for the ash content of a substance, as measured in analysis of food, fuel, or other materials. Use it only in this scientific sense, not for literal ashes.
- 焼却灰しょうきゃくばいnounSpecifically ash produced by incineration, such as from garbage burning or an incinerator plant. It is not a general word for ash; use 灰 when the source is not incineration.
Use 灰 for ordinary ash or ashes; 灰分 for ash content in scientific analysis; 焼却灰 for ash from incineration; 灰燼 for embers or figurative destruction; 「アッシュ」 is a rare loanword.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
