Translation guide
A region affected by a natural or man-made disaster. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 被災地 (hisaichi). Other expressions vary by formality, context, and type of disaster.
Referring to a place hit by a disaster in a neutral, everyday context.
The standard, neutral term for a disaster-stricken area. Used in news, official statements, and daily conversation.
被災地に支援物資を送る。
Send relief supplies to the disaster-stricken area.
被災地の復興には時間がかかる。
Reconstruction of the disaster-stricken area takes time.
A more general term for a disaster area, but less common than 被災地. Can sound slightly formal or technical.
災害地の調査を行う。
Conduct a survey of the disaster area.
A slightly more formal or bureaucratic version of 被災地, often used in official documents or news reports.
被災地域の住民に避難勧告が出された。
An evacuation advisory was issued to residents of the disaster-stricken area.
Specifying the type of disaster that struck the area.
Specifically an area affected by an earthquake disaster. Common in news contexts.
震災地の映像が流れた。
Footage of the earthquake-stricken area was shown.
An area affected by flood damage. Less common in everyday speech; 被災地 is usually sufficient.
水害地の復旧作業が続いている。
Restoration work continues in the flood-stricken area.
Literally 'fire scene', used for an area affected by a fire. Not a general term for disaster area.
火災現場には消防車が集まった。
Fire engines gathered at the fire-stricken area.
Used in official reports, legal documents, or academic writing.
A formal, somewhat bureaucratic term for a disaster-stricken area. Often seen in legal or administrative contexts.
罹災地の指定を受ける。
Receive designation as a disaster-stricken area.
Refers to a specific point or location within a disaster area, often used in engineering or damage assessment reports.
被災箇所の復旧計画を立てる。
Formulate a restoration plan for the disaster-stricken locations.
被災地 (hisaichi) is the most common and natural term for a disaster-stricken area. 災害地 (saigaichi) is less frequent and can sound slightly more formal or abstract. In everyday conversation and news, stick with 被災地.
被災地の様子を伝える。
Report on the situation in the disaster-stricken area.
Do not translate 'disaster-stricken area' word-for-word as 災害に襲われた地域 (saigai ni osowareta chiiki). While grammatically correct, it is unnatural and overly verbose. Use 被災地 instead.
被災地へのボランティアに行く。
Go volunteer in the disaster-stricken area.