1.
firewood, kindling
Wood that has been cut and prepared for burning in a fireplace, wood stove, campfire, or other fire. A basic word associated with traditional heating, cooking, and outdoor activities.
薪を割る。
Chop firewood.
薪ストーブで部屋を暖める。
Warm the room with a wood stove.
キャンプ場で薪を買って焚き火を楽しんだ。
We bought firewood at the campground and enjoyed a bonfire.
READING NOTE:
The kanji 薪 can also be read たきぎ, which is a more literary or traditional reading with the same meaning. The reading まき is more common in everyday speech.
USAGE NOTE:
薪 has seen renewed interest in Japan with the popularity of camping and outdoor activities, as well as the growing trend of 薪ストーブ (wood stoves) in rural homes.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 薪を割る (chop firewood)
- 薪をくべる (feed firewood to a fire)
- 薪ストーブ (wood stove)
- 薪割り (chopping firewood; firewood chopper)
- 薪を燃やす (burn firewood)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 炭: charcoal (processed wood for burning, used in grills and traditional heating)
- たきぎ: firewood (same meaning as まき, more literary reading)