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.
緊急地震速報のアラート
EEW alert
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.
緊急地震速報が鳴った。
The Earthquake Early Warning went off.
テレビで緊急地震速報が出た。
An Earthquake Early Warning was issued on TV.
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.
エリアメールで緊急地震速報を受信した。
I received an Earthquake Early Warning via Area Mail.
Generic term for emergency alert emails/messages sent to mobile phones, often used for EEW alerts.
緊急速報メールが届いた。
An emergency alert message arrived.
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.
スマホで緊急地震速報を受信した。
I received an Earthquake Early Warning on my smartphone.
The Earthquake Early Warning sounds/goes off. Focuses on the audible alert.
突然、緊急地震速報が鳴って驚いた。
Suddenly the Earthquake Early Warning went off and I was surprised.
The Earthquake Early Warning is broadcast/played. Often used for TV or radio.
ラジオから緊急地震速報が流れた。
An Earthquake Early Warning was broadcast on the 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.
緊急地震速報のチャイム音で目が覚めた。
I woke up to the sound of the Earthquake Early Warning chime.
Literally 'that warning sound'. Used when the EEW sound is contextually understood.
またあの警告音が聞こえた。
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.
緊急地震速報が出たら、まず身を守ってください。
When an Earthquake Early Warning is issued, first protect yourself.
To hide under a desk. A specific protective action.
緊急地震速報が鳴ったので、机の下に隠れた。
The Earthquake Early Warning went off, so I hid under the desk.
To turn off gas stoves or extinguish flames. Traditional safety advice, though modern guidance prioritizes personal safety first.
緊急地震速報が鳴ったら、火の始末をしましょう。
When the Earthquake Early Warning sounds, turn off any flames.
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.