Meaning and Usage
The verb 燃やす (もやす) primarily means "to burn" or "to set on fire." It is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object — something that is being burned. This can be literal, such as burning wood or paper, or figurative, such as burning passion or enthusiasm.
Common Contexts
- Literal burning: Used when physically setting something on fire, like documents, trash, or firewood.
- Figurative use: Often used to express strong emotions or motivation, e.g., "情熱を燃やす" (to burn with passion).
Collocations and Patterns
- 情熱を燃やす (じょうねつをもやす): to burn with passion; used to describe strong enthusiasm or dedication.
- 薪を燃やす (まきをもやす): to burn firewood; common in camping or heating contexts.
- 書類を燃やす (しょるいをもやす): to burn documents; often for disposal or secrecy.
Register and Nuance
燃やす is a neutral verb suitable for both casual and formal contexts, depending on the sentence. When used figuratively, it conveys a strong emotional or motivational intensity.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 燃やす with 燃える (もえる), which is intransitive and means "to burn" or "to catch fire" by itself. Remember 燃やす requires an object (something is being burned), while 燃える describes the subject burning on its own.