Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of a large outbreak in Japanese, such as a widespread occurrence of disease, fire, or other undesirable events. It focuses on natural expressions for different contexts.
To describe a large-scale occurrence of an infectious disease.
Literally 'large prevalence', this is the most common and natural way to say a large outbreak of a disease. It implies widespread and rapid spread.
新型インフルエンザが大流行した。
There was a large outbreak of a new type of influenza.
Means 'large outbreak' or 'mass occurrence', often used for pests, insects, or diseases. Slightly more technical than 大流行.
コレラの大発生が報告された。
A large outbreak of cholera was reported.
Means 'spread' or 'prevalence', often used for diseases. To emphasize a large outbreak, combine with 大規模な (large-scale).
感染症の大規模な蔓延が懸念されている。
A large-scale outbreak of infectious disease is feared.
To describe a large outbreak of fires, such as multiple fires starting simultaneously or a major conflagration.
Means 'large fire' or 'conflagration'. It is the standard term for a large-scale fire outbreak.
市内で大火が発生した。
A large fire broke out in the city.
Literally 'large-scale fire', this phrase is more descriptive and can be used in news reports or formal contexts.
大規模な火災が工場で発生した。
A large outbreak of fire occurred at the factory.
To describe a sudden large-scale occurrence of violence, riots, or war.
Means 'outbreak' (of war, conflict, etc.). It implies a sudden start. Often used in the form ～が勃発する.
大規模な暴動が勃発した。
A large outbreak of rioting erupted.
Literally 'large-scale clash', used for conflicts or battles.
国境で大規模な衝突が発生した。
A large outbreak of clashes occurred at the border.
To describe a sudden large increase in the population of harmful insects or animals.
As mentioned above, 大発生 is the standard term for a mass outbreak of insects, pests, or even algae blooms.
バッタの大発生で農作物が被害を受けた。
Crops were damaged by a large outbreak of locusts.
大流行 (dairyūkō) is primarily used for diseases and trends (like fashion), while 大発生 (daihassei) is used for living things such as insects, pests, or sometimes diseases. For fires, use 大火 (taika).
The English phrase 'large outbreak' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Using 大きい発生 is unnatural. Choose the appropriate compound word based on context.
Means 'abnormal outbreak', emphasizing that the scale is unusual or unprecedented.
今年はカメムシが異常発生している。
There is an unusually large outbreak of stink bugs this year.