also: ほのこ
noun
sparks; flying sparks
Refers to small, glowing particles thrown off by a fire, often used in contexts of danger or spreading fire.
火の粉が飛び散って、周りの枯れ草に燃え移った。
Sparks flew and ignited the surrounding dry grass.
火の粉がかからないように、離れて見ていた。
I watched from a distance so that sparks wouldn't land on me.
Obsolete kana usage; not used in modern Japanese.
Compound of 火 (hi, 'fire') + の (no, possessive particle) + 粉 (ko, 'powder'). The reading ひのこ is a regular shift from hi-no-ko.