衝撃波
shōgekiha
The English phrase shockwave is translated into Japanese as 衝撃波 (shōgekiha).
衝撃波 refers to a strong wave of pressure that moves through a medium, often caused by an explosion or a supersonic object.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 衝撃 (shōgeki), meaning 'impact' or 'shock' and 波 (ha), meaning 'wave'.
Which one should you use?
衝撃波 is a formal translation for shockwave, while ショックウェーブ is the katakana transliteration of the English loanword 'shockwave'.
How do you pronounce it?
shōgekiha
Did you know?
- The word 衝撃 (shōgeki) can travel from the realm of physics to the realm of psychology. It is frequently used to describe the mental state of being 'shocked' or 'stunned' by unexpected news.
- While 衝撃波 is the technical term, the katakana loanword ショックウェーブ is often chosen for special attack names in anime and games to create a 'cool' or 'modern' image.
- The character 波 (ha) in 衝撃波 is also used in the word 電波 (denpa) for 'radio waves', even though these are electromagnetic rather than pressure waves.
Examples in context
- 地震による衝撃波が建物を揺らした。The shockwave caused by the earthquake shook the buildings.
- その爆風はショックウェーブを伴って広がった。The blast expanded accompanied by a shockwave.
- 地震の衝撃の波は広範囲に広がった。The shockwave of the earthquake spread over a wide area.
- 爆発による衝撃波が建物に達した。Bakuhatsu ni yoru shōgekiha ga tatemono ni tasshita.The shockwave from the explosion reached the building.
- 衝撃波で窓ガラスが割れた。Shōgekiha de mado garasu ga wareta.The window glass broke due to the shockwave.
- 強力な衝撃波が周囲を襲った。Kyōryoku na shōgekiha ga shūi o osotta.A powerful shockwave struck the surrounding area.
Example conversation
Two people are watching a science documentary about space explosions.
- 陽葵 Himari超新星爆発の衝撃波はすごいね。Chōshinsei bakuhatsu no shōgekiha wa sugoi ne.The shockwave of a supernova explosion is amazing, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaああ、とても迫力があるよ。Aa, totemo hakuryoku ga aru yo.Yeah, it's very powerful.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君は宇宙に興味があるの？Yōta-kun wa uchū ni kyōmi ga aru no?Yōta, are you interested in space?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、ずっと前から大好きだよ。Un, zutto mae kara daisuki da yo.Yes, I've loved it for a long time.
