滝
taki[ta̠kʲi]
In Japanese, the word for waterfall is 滝 (taki). Wiktionary also lists 瀑布 (bakufu).
Meaning: flow of water over the edge of a cliff (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 滝 | taki | [ta̠kʲi] (narrow) |
| 瀑布 | bakufu | [ba̠kɯ̟̊ɸɯ̟] (narrow) |
The word refers to a flow of water over the edge of a cliff. You may also encounter the simile 滝のように, which means "like a waterfall," used to describe things pouring out in large quantities, such as sweat or tears.
Which one should you use?
滝 is the common word for a waterfall, whereas 瀑布 is a more formal, literary or technical term used primarily in written contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
taki
Did you know?
- In Japanese folklore, certain waterfalls are believed to be gateways to the spirit world or dwellings for ryū (dragons).
- In Japan, waterfalls are often treated as sacred sites where people practice 'takigyo', a form of ascetic training involving standing under the freezing water to purify the soul.
- In Japanese poetry, specifically haiku, the sound of a waterfall is often used as a 'kigo', or season word, to evoke the intensity of summer.
Examples in context
- 男が１人滝に打たれていた。A man was hit by a waterfall.This sentence is useful for seeing how the word 滝 is used when someone is standing under a waterfall.Tatoeba #127281 by bunbuku, translation #11861280 by espamatics
- 裸で滝に打たれている男性を見た。I saw a man standing naked under the waterfall.This sentence shows the word 滝 used in the context of seeing someone under a waterfall.Tatoeba #10739012 by bunbuku, translation #276808 by CK
- 真夏に運動すると、滝のように汗が流れます。If you exercise during the height of summer, you'll be dripping sweat like a waterfall.This sentence demonstrates the simile 滝のように used to describe sweat flowing during summer.Tatoeba #10199638 by small_snow, translation #10281868 by tsp_2
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are hiking in the mountains together.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さん、見て！あそこに滝がありますよ。Ren-san, mite! Asoko ni taki ga arimasu yo.Ren, look! There is a waterfall over there.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。とても迫力のある滝ですね。Hontou da. Totemo hakuryoku no aru taki desu ne.You're right. It's a very powerful waterfall.
- 美咲 Misaki近くまで行って、写真を撮りましょう。Chikaku made itte, shashin o torimashou.Let's go closer and take a photo.
- 蓮 Renいいですね。美咲さんも一緒に撮りましょう。Ii desu ne. Misaki-san mo issho ni torimashou.That sounds good. Let's take one with you too, Misaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “waterfall” translations and entries 滝, 瀑布, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
