激変
gekihen
The English phrase cataclysm is translated into Japanese as 激変 (gekihen).
The word 激変 refers to a sudden and violent change in a state of affairs.
Which one should you use?
While 激変 describes a sudden change in state, the term 大災厄 is used specifically to signify a great disaster or calamity.
How do you pronounce it?
gekihen
Did you know?
- While 激変 describes a sudden shift, Japanese uses the four-character idiom 天変地異 specifically for cataclysms where the 'heavens change and the earth shakes', such as meteor strikes.
- The character 変 in 激変 is used both for 'change' and for 'strange' or 'weird' in Japanese.
- The character 激 in 激変 originally represented the rushing current of a river, implying a force that is impossible to stop.
Examples in context
- 地震の際、日本は甚大な被害をもたらす大災厄を経験しました。During the earthquake, Japan experienced a cataclysm that caused immense destruction.
- その地域での大変動は多くの人々の生活を混乱させました。The cataclysmic event in that region disrupted the lives of many people.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are discussing the impact of a sudden economic shift.
- 美咲 Misaki最近の経済状況は、まさに激変だね。Saikin no keizai joukyou wa, masa ni gekihen da ne.The recent economic situation is truly a cataclysm.
- 蓮 Renそうだね、生活がガラリと変わったよ。Sou da ne, seikatsu ga garari to kawatta yo.You're right, life has changed completely.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君の仕事にも影響はあるかな？Ren-kun no shigoto ni mo eikyou wa aru kana?I wonder if it will affect your work too, Ren?
- 蓮 Ren間違いなく、大きな影響を受けると思う。Machigainaku, ookina eikyou o ukeru to omou.Without a doubt, I think it will have a huge impact.
