Translation guide
The English word 'quake' can refer to an earthquake or the action of shaking/trembling. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a seismic event, the ground shaking.
The standard word for 'earthquake'. Used in all contexts.
There was a big earthquake yesterday.
I felt the shaking of the earthquake.
Refers to an earthquake disaster, emphasizing the damage and aftermath. Often used in compound words like 東日本大震災 (Great East Japan Earthquake).
Recovery from the earthquake disaster takes time.
Literally 'big earthquake', used for major quakes.
Prepare emergency food in case of a major earthquake.
Describing something shaking, quivering, or trembling, such as the ground, a person, or an object.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to shake', 'to sway', 'to tremble'. Used for objects, ground, etc.
The building shook due to the earthquake.
The train was shaking and it was hard to stand.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to tremble', 'to shiver', often used for people or voices due to cold, fear, or emotion.
Technical term for vibration or tremor, often used in engineering or seismology.
Describing a person trembling due to strong emotion like fear, anger, or excitement.
揺れる (yureru) is used for larger, swaying motions like a building or a boat. 震える (furueru) is for small, rapid trembling, like shivering from cold or fear. For earthquakes, 揺れる is the natural choice for the ground shaking, while 震える would be used for a person's reaction.
The house shook in the earthquake.
My hands trembled from sheer terror.
寒さで体が震えた。
My body trembled from the cold.
Her voice was quivering.
この機械は微細な震動を感知する。
This machine detects minute vibrations.
その光景におののいた。
I shuddered at the sight.