Translation guide
The most common and neutral word for earthquake is 地震 (じしん). For larger or more formal contexts, 震災 (しんさい) is used, especially for disasters. In news, 震度 (しんど) refers to seismic intensity. Related terms like 余震 (よしん) for aftershock are also useful.
地震
earthquake
Referring to an earthquake in everyday conversation or general contexts.
The standard word for earthquake. Used in all contexts.
昨日、大きな地震があった。
There was a big earthquake yesterday.
地震のときは、机の下に隠れてください。
During an earthquake, please hide under a desk.
Referring to a major earthquake that causes significant damage, often used in news or formal contexts.
Refers to earthquake disaster, often used for large-scale events like the Great East Japan Earthquake.
東日本大震災から10年が経った。
Ten years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Literally 'big earthquake', used for major quakes.
Referring to the measured strength of shaking, often used in news reports.
Seismic intensity scale used in Japan (e.g., 震度5強).
震度6弱の地震が発生しました。
An earthquake with a seismic intensity of 6 lower occurred.
Referring to smaller earthquakes following a larger one.
Aftershock. Commonly used after a major earthquake.
余震に注意してください。
Please be careful of aftershocks.
Referring to the alert system that warns of impending shaking.
Earthquake Early Warning system in Japan.
緊急地震速報が鳴った。
The earthquake early warning went off.
Describing buildings or structures designed to withstand earthquakes.
Earthquake-resistant. Often used in compounds like 耐震構造 (earthquake-resistant structure).
このビルは耐震設計です。
This building has an earthquake-resistant design.
地震 (じしん) is the general term for earthquake. 震災 (しんさい) specifically refers to the disaster caused by an earthquake, often used in formal or news contexts for major events.
In Japan, earthquake strength is commonly described using the 震度 (しんど) scale, not magnitude. For example, 震度5強 (しんどごきょう) means intensity 5 upper.
大地震に備えて、非常食を用意しています。
I have emergency food prepared for a major earthquake.