蝋燭(ろうそく)

ろうそく
noun
candle
tool
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.
ケーキに蝋燭(ろうそく)を立(た)てる。
To put candles on a cake.
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.
蝋燭(ろうそく)の火(ひ)を消(け)してください。
Please put out the candle.
誕生日(たんじょうび)ケーキの蝋燭(ろうそく)を吹(ふ)き消(け)して、みんなが拍手(はくしゅ)した。
I blew out the birthday cake candles, and everyone clapped.

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

Cultural note

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.

Related Words

Compare: キャンドル (from English "candle")
core
Added 2026.1.16 16:44 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
05000/05490_rousoku