蝋燭(ろうそく)

ろうそく
noun
candle
1. candle
A cylinder of wax with a wick that produces light when burned.
蝋燭(ろうそく)に火(ひ)をつける。
To light a candle.
停電(ていでん)の時(とき)は蝋燭(ろうそく)を使(つか)う。
We use candles during power outages.
ケーキに蝋燭(ろうそく)を立(た)てる。
To put candles on a cake.

蝋燭(ろうそく) refers to a candle. The kanji are difficult and rarely written; hiragana ろうそく is much more common in everyday use.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 蝋燭(ろうそく)に火(ひ)をつける: to light a candle
  • 蝋燭(ろうそく)を吹(ふ)き消(け)す: to blow out a candle
  • 蝋燭(ろうそく)の火(ひ): candlelight
  • 蝋燭(ろうそく)を立(た)てる: to stand a candle up

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Candles are used at 仏壇(ぶつだん) (Buddhist altars) and during 法事(ほうじ) (memorial services). Birthday cakes also use candles (誕生日(たんじょうび)ケーキの蝋燭(ろうそく)).

CONTRAST WITH キャンドル:
キャンドル (from English "candle") is used more for decorative or aromatic candles, while 蝋燭(ろうそく) covers all candles including traditional and practical ones.

core
Added 2026.1.16 16:44 · Revised 2026.2.16 16:05
05000/05490_rousoku