1.
beware of fire; fire safety; fire prevention
A warning phrase about fire safety. Most commonly heard as a call during traditional neighborhood fire-watch patrols, where volunteers walk through residential areas at night, clapping wooden blocks and calling out this phrase.
「火の用心！」と声が聞こえた。
I heard a voice calling "Beware of fire!"
冬になると、火の用心の見回りがある。
In winter, there are fire-watch patrols.
拍子木を打ちながら「火の用心、マッチ一本火事のもと」と呼びかけた。
He called out "Beware of fire — a single match can start a blaze" while clapping wooden clappers.
CULTURAL NOTE:
A phrase deeply embedded in Japanese culture. During the dry winter months, neighborhood volunteers (夜回り) walk through residential streets at night, clapping 拍子木 (wooden clappers) and calling out 火の用心. The full traditional call is often: 火の用心、マッチ一本火事のもと (Beware of fire — a single match can start a blaze).
USAGE:
Also seen on signs and posters as a general fire-safety warning.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 火の用心の見回り (fire-watch patrol)
- 火の用心のポスター (fire-safety poster)