Translation guide
Describes violent, stormy, or turbulent sea waves. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns and descriptive phrases rather than a single direct equivalent.
To describe waves that are high, powerful, and dangerous, often during a storm.
Literally 'big waves', this is the most common and neutral term for large, powerful waves. It can be used in weather reports, news, and everyday conversation.
Big waves surged in due to the typhoon.
Specifically means 'rough seas' or 'raging waves'. It emphasizes the wild, turbulent nature of the waves and is often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
The ship was tossed by the raging waves.
A more dramatic and literary term meaning 'surging waves' or 'angry waves'. It conveys a sense of overwhelming force and is often used metaphorically as well.
Waves like raging billows crashed against the rocks.
To use the image of raging waves to describe intense emotions, tumultuous events, or overwhelming situations.
Can be used metaphorically to describe a turbulent life or difficult circumstances, similar to 'the storms of life'.
To overcome the raging waves of life.
Used figuratively for an overwhelming surge of something, like emotions, information, or events. Common in phrases like 怒涛の勢い (with raging momentum).
大波 is the most general term for large waves and is suitable for everyday use. 荒波 specifically emphasizes roughness and wildness, often with a negative or challenging connotation. 怒涛 is highly dramatic and literary, used for both literal and figurative overwhelming surges.
The English phrase 'raging waves' does not have a single fixed equivalent in Japanese. Translating word-for-word may result in unnatural expressions. Choose the term that best fits the context and intensity.
怒涛のごとき拍手が起こった。
A raging wave of applause erupted.