Translation guide
A landslide is the rapid movement of a large mass of earth, rock, or debris down a slope. This guide covers the Japanese terms for the natural disaster, as well as the metaphorical use for a decisive electoral victory.
The physical event where soil, rocks, and debris slide down a slope, often due to heavy rain or earthquakes.
The most common and general term for a landslide. It refers to the sliding of a landmass along a slope. Used in news and everyday conversation.
A decisive victory in an election where one party or candidate wins by a very large margin.
The standard metaphorical phrase for a landslide victory. It directly uses the kanji for 'landslide' (地滑り) plus 'victory'.
与党が地滑り的勝利を収めた。
The ruling party won a landslide victory.
地滑り (jisuberi) is the general term for landslide. 土砂崩れ (doshakuzure) specifically refers to a collapse of earth and sand, often involving a debris flow. 山崩れ (yamakuzure) implies a large-scale mountain collapse. In news, 土砂崩れ is very common for rain-induced disasters.
While 地滑り means landslide, it is not used alone to mean a landslide victory. You must say 地滑り的勝利 (jisuberiteki shōri) or use 圧勝 (asshō).
大雨で地滑りが発生した。
The heavy rain caused a landslide.
彼女は選挙で圧勝した。
She won the election in a landslide.
A landslide occurred due to heavy rain.
地滑りの危険がある地域です。
This area is at risk of landslides.
Literally 'mountain collapse'. Refers to a landslide or slope failure on a mountain. Often used for larger-scale events.
地震で山崩れが発生した。
A landslide was triggered by the earthquake.
Specifically a collapse of earth and sand, often used in disaster reports. Emphasizes the debris flow aspect.
土砂崩れで道路が寸断された。
The road was cut off by a landslide.
Refers to a cliff collapse or landslide on a steep slope. More specific to cliffs or bluffs.
海岸沿いで崖崩れが起きた。
A cliff collapse occurred along the coast.
A single word meaning 'overwhelming victory'. Very common in election contexts and more concise than the full phrase.
彼は大統領選で圧勝した。
He won a landslide victory in the presidential election.
Literally 'big win'. A general term for a large-margin victory, used in sports and elections.
その政党は選挙で大勝した。
That political party won by a landslide in the election.