1.
to smolder; to smoke without flames
For something to burn slowly with smoke but without flames.
焚き火がまだ燻っている。
The bonfire is still smoldering.
2.
to linger; to remain unresolved; to simmer
For problems, dissatisfaction, or feelings to persist without being openly expressed or resolved. Implies underlying tension.
不満が社内で燻っている。
Dissatisfaction is simmering within the company.
3.
to stagnate; to remain obscure
To stay in an unfulfilled state without making progress or achieving recognition.
才能があるのに二軍で燻っている。
Despite having talent, he's languishing in the minor leagues.
TRANSITIVITY: Intransitive verb (自動詞). Transitive counterpart: 燻る or 燻す.
CONJUGATION: Godan verb (-る type)
- 燻らない (negative)
- 燻ります (polite)
- 燻って (te-form)
- 燻った (past)
FIGURATIVE USES:
Often used metaphorically to describe:
- 不満が燻る - dissatisfaction simmers
- 問題が燻る - a problem lingers unresolved
- 怒りが燻る - anger smolders
- 才能が燻る - talent goes to waste
RELATED VOCABULARY:
- 燻す - to smoke (food), to fumigate
- 煙 - smoke
- 燻製 - smoked food
KANJI NOTE:
Also commonly written in hiragana as くすぶる.
REGISTER:
Neutral. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.