Translation guide
A large natural underground space, often open to the surface or part of a cave system. In Japanese, the most common word is 洞窟 (どうくつ), which covers both caves and caverns. For large open chambers, 大洞窟 or 鍾乳洞 (limestone cavern) are used. The word 洞穴 is less common and more literary.
A natural underground hollow, often large, used in general contexts.
The standard word for cave or cavern. Covers both small and large natural underground spaces.
The cavern was very spacious.
I saw bats inside the cavern.
Literally 'hollow hole', can mean cave or cavern but is less common in modern speech. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
They hid in a mountain cavern.
A vast underground chamber, often with high ceilings, used in tourism or geology.
Emphasizing the atmosphere of a cavern, often in fantasy or storytelling.
洞窟 (どうくつ) is the standard, everyday word for cave or cavern. 洞穴 (ほらあな) is more literary and less common, often implying a simpler hole or den. For most purposes, use 洞窟.
If you're talking about a tourist cavern with formations, 鍾乳洞 (しょうにゅうどう) is the precise term. It specifically refers to limestone caves with stalactites.
The cavern echoed with their voices.
We discovered a hidden cavern behind the waterfall.
Limestone cavern with stalactites and stalagmites. Common in tourist contexts.
Akiyoshido is Japan's largest limestone cavern.