Translation guide
The Japanese word for 'continent' is 大陸 (たいりく). It is used similarly to English, but note that Japan itself is an island nation, so the concept often refers to mainland Asia. There are also set phrases for specific continents.
大陸
continent
Referring to one of the world's major landmasses, such as Asia, Africa, etc.
The standard word for 'continent'. Used in geography, news, and everyday conversation.
アジア大陸は世界で一番大きい大陸です。
The Asian continent is the largest continent in the world.
オーストラリアは大陸でもあり国でもあります。
Australia is both a continent and a country.
Emphasizing the main landmass of a region, often in contrast to nearby islands. Commonly used for 'mainland Asia' from a Japanese perspective.
Can mean 'mainland', especially when contrasting with Japan or other islands. Often implies the Asian mainland.
台風が大陸に上陸しました。
The typhoon made landfall on the mainland.
彼は大陸の文化に強い関心を持っています。
He has a strong interest in mainland culture.
Literally 'mainland' or 'home territory'. Used for the main part of a country, e.g., mainland Japan (as opposed to Okinawa or Hokkaido). Not used for continents like Asia.
本土 refers to the main part of a country, not a continent. Do not use it for 'continent' in the geographical sense.
Naming individual continents.
Asian continent. Often shortened to just アジア.
アジア大陸には多くの国があります。
There are many countries on the Asian continent.
European continent. Often just ヨーロッパ.
ヨーロッパ大陸は歴史が深いです。
The European continent has a deep history.
African continent.
アフリカ大陸は広大です。
The African continent is vast.
North American continent.
北アメリカ大陸にはカナダとアメリカとメキシコがあります。
The North American continent includes Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
South American continent.
南アメリカ大陸はアマゾン川があります。
The South American continent has the Amazon River.
In many contexts, especially when the continent is clear, Japanese speakers drop 大陸 and just use the name (e.g., アジア, ヨーロッパ). Adding 大陸 can sound slightly formal or geographical.
大陸 means 'continent' or 'mainland' in a broad geographical sense. 本土 means 'mainland' specifically in relation to a country's own territory (e.g., mainland Japan vs. Okinawa). Do not confuse them.
大陸から文化が伝わった。
Culture was transmitted from the continent (Asia).
本土の天気は沖縄と違います。
The weather on the mainland is different from Okinawa.
沖縄から本土に引っ越しました。
I moved from Okinawa to the mainland.
Antarctic continent. Specifically refers to the landmass of Antarctica.
南極大陸は氷で覆われています。
The Antarctic continent is covered in ice.