津波
tsunami[t͡sɨna̠mʲi]
The Japanese word for 'tsunami' is 津波. If unsure, use 津波. Wiktionary also lists 海嘯 (kaishō).
Meaning: large, destructive wave generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 津波 | tsunami | [t͡sɨna̠mʲi] (narrow) |
| 海嘯 | kaishō | [ka̠iɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
The term refers to a large, destructive wave generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean.
How do you pronounce it?
tsunami
Did you know?
- In Japan, the concept of a tsunami is often linked to the 'Tsunami Stones', ancient stone markers that warn descendants not to build houses below a certain elevation.
- While we often use the word to describe the wave itself, the Japanese word 津波 literally translates to 'harbor wave'.
- The term 津波 uses a reading called jukujikun, where the characters are read as a Japanese word rather than following their individual Chinese-style pronunciations.
Examples in context
- 沿岸地帯には津波警報が出た。The coast was warned against a tsunami.This sentence is useful for seeing how a tsunami warning is issued to coastal areas.Tatoeba #188785 by KK_kaku_, translation #25931 by cost_
- トムの家は津波で壊れてしまった。Tom's house was destroyed in the tsunami.This sentence shows how a tsunami can cause destruction to a house.Tatoeba #10172726 by small_snow, translation #9695979 by DJ_Saidez
- 地震が起こり、さらに津波が襲った。There was an earthquake and, in addition, there was a tsunami.This sentence illustrates the sequence of an earthquake followed by a tsunami.Tatoeba #126904 by small_snow, translation #277186 by CM
- 昨年の津波により、多くの犠牲者が出ました。Last year's tsunami caused many casualties.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a news report about a natural disaster.
- 陽太 Yotaニュースで津波が来ると言っていました。Nyuusu de tsunami ga kuru to itte imashita.The news said a tsunami is coming.
- 美咲 Misaki本当ですか？とても怖いです。Hontou desu ka? Totemo kowai desu.Really? That's very scary.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さん、早く避難しましょう。Misaki-san, hayaku hinan shimashou.Misaki, let's evacuate quickly.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、陽太さん、行きましょう。Hai, Youta-san, ikimashou.Yes, Youta, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tsunami” translations and entries 津波, 海嘯, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 津波, 海嘯, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
