Translation guide
The English word 'fuel' can refer to physical substances that power engines or fires, or metaphorically to something that intensifies or sustains a situation. This guide covers both literal and figurative uses, with natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to gasoline, diesel, coal, firewood, or other combustible materials used to produce energy.
The most common and general word for 'fuel' in the physical sense. Used for gasoline, coal, firewood, etc.
車の燃料が切れた。
The car ran out of fuel.
このストーブの燃料は灯油です。
The fuel for this stove is kerosene.
Specifically gasoline/petrol. Use when the fuel type is clearly gasoline.
ガソリンスタンドで燃料を入れた。
I put fuel in at the gas station.
Firewood, specifically for campfires or traditional heating.
キャンプのために薪を集めた。
We gathered fuel for the campfire.
Something that makes a situation stronger, more intense, or continues it, like adding 'fuel to the fire'.
Idiom meaning 'to add fuel to the fire', i.e., to make a bad situation worse.
彼の一言が火に油を注いだ。
His remark added fuel to the fire.
To gain momentum or intensity; can be used when something fuels a movement or trend.
その事件が抗議運動に勢いを増した。
The incident fueled the protest movement.
Verb meaning 'to fan' or 'to stir up', often used for fueling emotions or conflicts.
メディアが不安をあおった。
The media fueled anxiety.
Referring to food or nutrients that provide energy for physical activity.
Literally 'energy source', commonly used for food as fuel for the body.
炭水化物は体の重要なエネルギー源だ。
Carbohydrates are an important fuel for the body.
Can be used metaphorically for body fuel, but less common than エネルギー源.
While 燃料 can be used metaphorically in some contexts (like 'fuel for the day'), it is not natural for emotional or conflict intensification. Use idioms like 火に油を注ぐ or verbs like あおる instead.
彼の言葉が怒りをあおった。
His words fueled the anger.
朝食は一日の燃料だ。
Breakfast is fuel for the day.