白波
shiranami
The Japanese phrase for "crashing waves" is 白波 (shiranami).
白波 is used to describe the white foam or crests seen when waves break.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 白 (white) and 波 (wave).
How do you pronounce it?
shiranami
Did you know?
- The word 白波 is sometimes used in Japanese wordplay to refer to 'shiranami', a slang term for a thief or a bandit, because the pronunciations are identical.
- The word 白波 is also used as a poetic metaphor in Japanese literature to describe the white hair of an elderly person.
- There is a historical group of pirates and warriors in Japanese history known as the 白波 who were famous for their raids during the late Heian period.
Examples in context
- 海に白波が立っています。umi ni shiranami ga tatte imasu.White waves are breaking in the sea.
- 白波がとても綺麗ですね。shiranami ga totemo kirei desu ne.The white foam of the waves is very beautiful.
- 遠くに白波が見えます。tooku ni shiranami ga miemasu.I can see white waves in the distance.
Example conversation
A couple is looking at the ocean from a beach cafe.
- 大翔 Hiroto見て、綺麗な白波だよ。mite, kirei na shiranami da yo.Look, there are beautiful white waves.
- 陽葵 Himari本当、白波がキラキラしてるね。hontou, shiranami ga kirakira shiteru ne.True, the white waves are sparkling.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、もっと近くで見たい？himari, motto chikaku de mitai?Himari, do you want to see them closer?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、海辺まで歩こう！un, umibe made arukou!Yes, let's walk down to the shore!
