マッチ

マッチ is from English "match" - the small stick used to light fire. Less common now due to lighters.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

• マッチを擦(す)る: to strike a match
• マッチで火(ひ)をつける: to light with a match
• マッチ箱(ばこ): matchbox
• マッチ棒(ぼう): matchstick

HOMOPHONE NOTE:

マッチ can also mean:

• match (sports competition): サッカーのマッチ
• match (pairing): お似合(にあ)いのマッチ

Context determines the meaning.

RELATED WORDS:

• ライター: lighter (more common now)
• 火(ひ): fire
• 着火(ちゃっか)する: to ignite

CULTURAL NOTE:
マッチ売(う)りの少女(しょうじょ) (The Little Match Girl) is the famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.