Translation guide
EEW stands for Earthquake Early Warning, a system in Japan that issues alerts seconds to tens of seconds before strong shaking arrives. This guide covers how to talk about the alert itself, the action of receiving it, and related expressions.
Earthquake Early Warning
Official term for the EEW system.
Referring to the Earthquake Early Warning system or the alert message.
The standard term for the Earthquake Early Warning system and the alerts it issues. Used in news, official announcements, and daily conversation.
The Earthquake Early Warning went off.
A brand name for the cell broadcast system used by major carriers to deliver EEW and other emergency alerts to mobile phones. Often used colloquially to refer to the alert itself.
Generic term for emergency alert emails/messages sent to mobile phones, often used for EEW alerts.
Describing the action of getting an EEW notification on a device or hearing the warning sound.
To receive an Earthquake Early Warning. Used for mobile phones, TVs, radios, etc.
I received an Earthquake Early Warning on my smartphone.
The Earthquake Early Warning sounds/goes off. Focuses on the audible alert.
The Earthquake Early Warning is broadcast/played. Often used for TV or radio.
Referring specifically to the distinctive sound that accompanies an EEW alert.
The chime sound of the Earthquake Early Warning. Often described as a distinctive 'ding-dong' or series of tones.
I woke up to the sound of the Earthquake Early Warning chime.
Literally 'that warning sound'. Used when the EEW sound is contextually understood.
I heard that warning sound again.
Common phrases for what to do when an Earthquake Early Warning is issued.
To protect oneself. The primary action to take during an EEW.
When an Earthquake Early Warning is issued, first protect yourself.
To hide under a desk. A specific protective action.
To turn off gas stoves or extinguish flames. Traditional safety advice, though modern guidance prioritizes personal safety first.
In Japanese, EEW is almost always referred to by its full name 緊急地震速報 (Kinkyū Jishin Sokuhō). The abbreviation EEW is not commonly used in Japanese conversation, though it may appear in technical or English contexts.
EEW (緊急地震速報) is for imminent strong shaking. A tsunami warning is 津波警報 (tsunami keihō) or 大津波警報 (ōtsunami keihō). They are different alerts.
An Earthquake Early Warning was issued on TV.
I received an Earthquake Early Warning via Area Mail.
An emergency alert message arrived.
Suddenly the Earthquake Early Warning went off and I was surprised.
An Earthquake Early Warning was broadcast on the radio.
The Earthquake Early Warning went off, so I hid under the desk.
When the Earthquake Early Warning sounds, turn off any flames.