Translation guide
A flood disaster refers to a catastrophic event caused by flooding, often involving widespread damage, displacement, or loss of life. In Japanese, different terms emphasize the type of flood, its cause, or its impact.
Referring to a flood disaster in general, often in news or formal contexts.
The most direct and common term for a flood disaster, combining 'flood' (洪水) and 'disaster' (災害). Used in news reports and official contexts.
Many houses were damaged in this year's flood disaster.
A broader term for water-related disasters, including floods and inundation. Very common in weather reports and everyday conversation.
This area is prone to flood disasters.
Emphasizes a large-scale or catastrophic flood disaster. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
A record-breaking massive flood disaster struck the town.
Describing a sudden, intense flood, often from heavy rain or a burst river.
Literally 'gun water', this refers to a flash flood, a sudden and violent flood typically in mountainous areas or after heavy rain.
Please be careful of flash floods.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'sudden flood'. Less technical than 鉄砲水, suitable for everyday use.
The road was submerged due to a sudden flood.
Specifically referring to a river overflowing its banks.
Focusing on the state of being under water, often in urban areas.
Refers to land or roads being submerged under water. Common in news about urban flooding.
The road was flooded and closed to traffic.
Refers to water entering buildings or underground spaces. Often used in the context of homes flooding.
Specifically a flood caused by a tsunami.
水害 (suigai) is a broader term covering all water-related disasters, including floods, while 洪水災害 (kōzui saigai) specifically refers to flood disasters. In everyday conversation, 水害 is more common, but in formal reports, 洪水災害 may be used for precision.
洪水 (kōzui) simply means 'flood' as a natural phenomenon, while 洪水災害 (kōzui saigai) means 'flood disaster', emphasizing the destructive impact. Use 洪水災害 when referring to the disaster event.
The flood disaster displaced thousands of people.
We need better preparation for flood disasters.
地下室が浸水した。
The basement was flooded.
The town was destroyed by flooding from the tsunami.