火事

• Reading: かじ
• Romaji: kaji
• Kanji breakdown: 火 (ka/hi) — fire; 事 (ji/koto) — matter, incident
• Pronunciation: /ka.d͡ʑi/

Meaning

A fire (destructive); a conflagration. An uncontrolled fire that causes damage.

Specifically refers to a fire as a disaster, not fire in general (which is 火, hi). Used in emergency contexts and news reports. The phrase 火事になる means 'a fire breaks out.' Japan has a long history of fire prevention due to traditional wooden architecture.

Examples

1. 昨日の夜、近くで火事がありました。 There was a fire nearby last night.
2. 火事のとき、すぐに外に出てください。 In case of a fire, please get outside immediately.
3. テレビで大きな火事のニュースを見た。 I saw a big fire on the news.

Usage Guide

Context: emergencies, news, safety

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 火 (ka, fire) and 事 (ji, matter/incident). Literally a 'fire incident,' distinguishing a destructive fire from fire as an element.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal