Translation guide
To cause trouble, attract attention, or create a significant impact, often by challenging the status quo.
To create problems or disrupt a stable situation, often by speaking out or acting against the norm.
To do something new, bold, or unconventional that gets noticed, often in a positive or neutral sense.
Means 'to attract attention' or 'to become the talk of the town'. Used when something creates buzz or becomes a hot topic.
To have a powerful effect that alters a situation or field, often in a lasting way.
Do not translate 'make waves' literally as 波を作る (なみをつくる). That means 'to create waves' in a physical sense, like in water, and does not convey the idiomatic meaning.
He made a remark that made waves at the meeting.
Means to stir up trouble or make an issue worse. Often used when someone escalates a situation unnecessarily.
She discussed it quietly so as not to make waves.
Literally 'to cause a commotion'. Used for creating a public disturbance or uproar.
A drunk made waves in the store.
His new design made waves in the industry.
Literally 'to throw a stone', meaning to make a proposal or take an action that stirs up discussion or change. Often used in intellectual or social contexts.
The paper made waves in academic circles.
Literally 'to cause a whirlwind', meaning to create a sensation or have a huge impact. Often used for phenomena that take the world by storm.
The movie made waves around the world.
Her research made waves in medicine.
Means 'to give a shock' or 'to have a startling impact'. Used when something surprises or shakes up a field.
The discovery made waves in the scientific community.