Translation guide
A fire used to send a signal, often from a distance. In Japanese, the most common term is のろし, which refers to smoke signals or beacon fires used historically for communication. Other terms exist for specific contexts like lighthouses or emergency flares.
A fire lit on a hill or tower to send a message over a distance, especially in historical or military contexts.
The standard word for a smoke signal or beacon fire used for communication, often in historical settings. Can be written as 狼煙 or 烽火.
敵が来たことを知らせるために、のろしを上げた。
They lit a signal fire to warn that the enemy was coming.
A more literary or historical term for a beacon fire, often used in the same contexts as のろし.
古代中国では、烽火を使って敵の侵入を知らせた。
In ancient China, they used beacon fires to signal enemy invasions.
An alternative kanji for のろし, literally 'wolf smoke'. Rarely used in modern writing.
狼煙を上げて合図を送る。
Send a signal by lighting a smoke signal.
A fire lit to attract attention in an emergency, such as by a stranded person.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a fire to call for help'. Natural when explaining the purpose.
彼らは救助を求めるために火をたいた。
They lit a fire to signal for help.
Literally 'distress signal fire'. More technical, used in survival or maritime contexts.
遭難信号の火をたいて、救助を待った。
They lit a distress signal fire and waited for rescue.
A modern device that produces a bright flame or smoke, used for signaling, especially at sea or in emergencies.
A signal flare (pyrotechnic). Commonly used for maritime or military signaling.
船が信号弾を打ち上げた。
The ship fired a signal flare.
A flare used for illumination or signaling, often in military contexts. Can also refer to a star shell.
照明弾が夜空を明るく照らした。
The flare lit up the night sky.
A fixed structure with a fire or light used as a navigational signal, especially for ships.
Lighthouse. While not a 'fire' in the modern sense, historically they used fires. This is the standard term.
灯台の光が沖を通る船を導く。
The lighthouse light guides ships passing offshore.
A bonfire or watch fire, sometimes used as a signal or beacon in historical contexts. Not specifically a lighthouse.
のろし refers to traditional smoke/beacon fires used historically, while 信号弾 is a modern pyrotechnic flare. Use のろし for historical or fantasy settings, and 信号弾 for modern emergency or military signaling.
The direct translation '信号の火' is not a common phrase and may sound unnatural. Use のろし or a more specific term depending on the context.
They lit a bonfire on the shore to signal the ships.