ライター
raitā[ɾa̠ita̠ː]
The Japanese word for "lighter" is ライター (raitā).
ライター refers to a fire-making device.
Meaning: fire-making device (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
raitā
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might confuse this with the word for 'writer' (someone who writes), but in Japanese, the pronunciation for a lighter is the same as the loanword for 'writer' (raitā), so context is key.
Did you know?
- In Japan, the term ライター can refer to both a 'lighter' and a 'writer' since the English loanwords merged into the same phonetic sound. To avoid confusion, people often use the native word 作家 for a professional author.
- In certain formal or technical Japanese contexts, a lighter is referred to as a 点火器 (tenkaki), which literally translates to 'fire-ignition device'.
- If you are in a hardware store and ask for a ライター, you might be directed to the stationery section if the clerk thinks you mean a 'writer'.
Examples in context
- トムが私のライターを持っていた。Tom kept my lighter.This sentence shows the use of ライター in the context of possession.Tatoeba #2242321 by bunbuku, translation #1868109 by CK
- その子はライターで火遊びをしていた。He was playing with a lighter.This sentence illustrates the use of ライター when describing someone playing with the device.Tatoeba #210241 by small_snow, translation #47506 by CK
- お客様、テーブルにライターをお忘れですよ。Sir, you have left your lighter on the table.This sentence demonstrates how ライター is used when reminding someone of a forgotten item.Tatoeba #227316 by small_snow, translation #64667 by CK
- ライターを持っていますか?Do you have a lighter?
- 彼はいつもポケットにライターを持っています。He always carries a lighter in his pocket.
- すみません、ライターをお借りしてもいいですか？Excuse me, may I borrow your lighter?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are at a campsite.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、ライター持ってる？Himari, raita motteru?Himari, do you have a lighter?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、これだよ。Un, kore da yo.Yeah, here it is.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。火をつけよう。Arigatou. Hi o tsukeyou.Thanks. Let's start a fire.
- 陽葵 Himari健太、火の用心だよ。Kenta, hi no youjin da yo.Kenta, be careful with the fire.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lighter” translations and entries ライター, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
