火葬

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 火葬 is read as かそう and is a noun and suru-verb for cremation as a funeral practice or an individual act.
• Basic usage: Use 火葬の習慣 for the custom and 故人を火葬する for cremating a deceased person.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Custom and individual act
  • The noun can name a historical funeral practice, while 火葬した refers to a particular cremation.
• Contrast with 土葬
  • 火葬 uses fire in handling the remains, whereas 土葬 is burial in the ground.