Translation guide
A sudden, violent, and large-scale disaster or upheaval, often with natural or societal connotations.
natural cataclysm
social cataclysm
To refer to a catastrophic natural event like a flood, earthquake, or volcanic eruption that causes massive destruction.
To describe a sudden, violent disruption in society, politics, or history, such as a revolution or collapse.
Major upheaval or cataclysm, often used for social, political, or economic shifts.
The war brought about a social cataclysm.
Violent upheaval or turbulence, commonly used for historical periods of drastic change.
Catastrophe or ruin, often implying a final, disastrous outcome. Can be used for personal or societal collapse.
To describe a devastating event in one's personal life, such as a sudden loss or life-altering tragedy.
大災害 is the standard term for a major disaster, used in news and everyday speech. 天変地異 has a more literary or dramatic feel, often implying a supernatural or cosmic scale.
prepare for a cataclysm
a cataclysm occurs (dramatic)
The English word 'cataclysm' is often used hyperbolically. In Japanese, direct equivalents like 大災害 or 大変動 are more literal and less common in casual exaggeration. For hyperbolic use, consider 大惨事 (だいさんじ) or simply 大変なこと.
It turned into a cataclysm (hyperbolic).
Literally 'heaven's change and earth's anomaly'; a cataclysmic natural phenomenon. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
Legend says a cataclysm destroyed the kingdom.
気候の激変が生態系を破壊した。
The climatic cataclysm destroyed the ecosystem.
革命の激動が国を揺るがした。
The cataclysm of the revolution shook the nation.
その政策は国家の破局を招いた。
The policy led to a national cataclysm.
そのスキャンダルで彼の人生は破滅した。
The scandal brought cataclysm to his life.