放火

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 放火, read ほうか, is a noun for deliberately setting a fire.
• Basic usage: It appears in discussions of a fire’s cause or suspicions of arson.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Same sound, opposite direction
  • 防火 is also read ほうか, but means preventing a fire from starting or spreading.
• Fire and cause
  • 火災 is a damaging fire, while 放火 is an intentional act that can cause one. 放火を疑う expresses suspicion about that cause.