灯油(とうゆ)

とうゆ
noun
kerosene, lamp oil
1. kerosene, lamp oil, paraffin
A flammable hydrocarbon liquid commonly used as fuel for heating, lamps, and some stoves in Japan.
冬(ふゆ)になると灯油(とうゆ)の需要(じゅよう)が増(ふ)える。
Demand for kerosene increases in winter.
灯油(とうゆ)ストーブで部屋(へや)を暖(あたた)める。
I heat the room with a kerosene heater.
灯油(とうゆ)を買(か)いに行(い)かなければ。
I need to go buy kerosene.

CULTURAL NOTE: 灯油(とうゆ) heaters (灯油(とうゆ)ストーブ/石油(せきゆ)ストーブ) are very common in Japan, especially in areas without central heating. In winter, trucks drive around neighborhoods selling kerosene with distinctive jingles.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 灯油(とうゆ)ストーブ (kerosene heater)
  • 灯油(とうゆ){タンク} (kerosene tank/container)
  • 灯油(とうゆ)を入(い)れる (to fill with kerosene)
  • 灯油(とうゆ)の値段(ねだん) (kerosene price)

ALTERNATE TERM: 石油(せきゆ) can also refer to kerosene in everyday contexts, though technically it means 'petroleum' more broadly.

SAFETY: Proper ventilation is required when using kerosene heaters indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

general
Added 2026.1.13 20:35 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
04000/04071_touyu