Translation guide
The English phrase "great disaster" refers to a large-scale catastrophic event. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several nouns that differ in nuance, formality, and typical context. The most common and versatile word is 大災害, which directly translates to "great disaster" and is used for natural and man-made calamities. Other terms like 大惨事 emphasize the tragic or horrific aspect, while 大厄災 is a rarer, more literary term. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on the type and tone of the disaster.
To refer to a major disaster, such as an earthquake, flood, or war, in a neutral or formal context.
The most common and direct translation of 'great disaster'. It is used in news, official reports, and everyday conversation for large-scale natural or man-made disasters.
東日本大震災は未曾有の大災害だった。
The Great East Japan Earthquake was an unprecedented great disaster.
この大災害から復興するには何年もかかるだろう。
It will take many years to recover from this great disaster.
Emphasizes the tragic, horrific, or disastrous nature of an event, often implying loss of life or severe damage. Commonly used in news for accidents, wars, or large-scale tragedies.
A rare and literary term for a great calamity or disaster, often with a nuance of misfortune or divine punishment. Not used in everyday speech.
古文書には大厄災の記録が残っている。
Records of great disasters remain in ancient documents.
大災害 is a neutral term for a large-scale disaster, focusing on the scale and impact. 大惨事 emphasizes the tragic and horrific aspects, often used when there is significant loss of life or suffering. In many contexts they overlap, but 大惨事 carries a stronger emotional weight.
While 大きい災害 (big disaster) is grammatically correct, it sounds less natural and less impactful than the compound words 大災害 or 大惨事. Use the compound nouns for 'great disaster' in most contexts.
The plane crash turned into a great disaster.
戦争は常に大惨事を引き起こす。
War always causes great disasters.