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.
今年の洪水災害で多くの家が被害を受けた。
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.
この地域は水害が多い。
This area is prone to flood disasters.
Emphasizes a large-scale or catastrophic flood disaster. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
記録的な大水害が町を襲った。
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.
鉄砲水に注意してください。
Please be careful of flash floods.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'sudden flood'. Less technical than 鉄砲水, suitable for everyday use.
急な洪水で道路が冠水した。
The road was submerged due to a sudden flood.
Specifically referring to a river overflowing its banks.
The standard term for river flooding or overflow. Used in weather warnings and news.
大雨で河川氾濫の危険が高まっている。
The risk of river flooding is increasing due to heavy rain.
A more colloquial way to say 'the river floods/overflows'. Can be used in conversation.
この川はよく氾濫する。
This river often floods.
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.
道路が冠水して通行止めになった。
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.
The term for a tsunami disaster, which includes flooding as a primary destructive element.
津波災害に備えて避難訓練を行った。
We conducted an evacuation drill in preparation for a tsunami disaster.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'flooding caused by a tsunami'. Useful for clarifying the cause.
津波による洪水で町が壊滅した。
The town was destroyed by flooding from the 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.
その洪水災害で何千人もの人が避難した。
The flood disaster displaced thousands of people.
洪水災害への備えを強化する必要がある。
We need better preparation for flood disasters.
地下室が浸水した。
The basement was flooded.