Translation guide
The Japanese word for 'lava' is 溶岩 (ようがん). This is the standard term used in geology, news, and everyday conversation. In casual or dramatic contexts, especially for flowing lava, マグマ (maguma) is sometimes used, though it technically means 'magma'.
The general term for lava as a geological substance, especially after eruption.
Standard word for lava. Used in scientific, news, and everyday contexts.
Lava flowed out of the volcano.
A lava flow is approaching the town.
Technically 'magma' (underground molten rock), but often used loosely for flowing lava in casual speech or dramatic descriptions.
Strictly speaking, マグマ is underground; 溶岩 is above ground. However, in everyday language, マグマ is commonly used for visible lava.
Magma is gushing out. (often used for lava)
Referring to lava rock, solidified lava, or lava as a material.
Also used for solidified lava rock.
This island is made of lava.
Using 'lava' figuratively to describe something hot, intense, or overwhelming.
Metaphorical use is less common in Japanese than in English. 溶岩 or マグマ can be used in similes or metaphors, but often a different expression is more natural.
His anger was as hot as lava.
溶岩 (ようがん) is lava on the surface; マグマ is magma underground. In casual conversation, マグマ is often used for flowing lava, but in formal or scientific contexts, 溶岩 is correct.
The lava cooled and turned into rock.
We saw lava flowing into the ocean.