Translation guide
Describes a fast-flowing, turbulent section of a river. In Japanese, the most common and natural word is 急流 (kyūryū). Other terms exist for specific nuances like shallows or whitewater.
To refer to a fast-flowing, rough part of a river in general.
The standard, neutral word for 'rapids' or 'swift current'. Suitable for most contexts.
This river has many rapids.
Going down the rapids is dangerous.
Literally 'fast shallows'. Often used for rapids in a river, especially when emphasizing the swift current over shallow areas. Common in place names and literature.
Crossing the rapids is difficult.
A more literary or dramatic term for a rushing torrent or rapid stream. Implies powerful, surging water.
The rapids smash against the rocks.
To refer specifically to rapids in the context of whitewater sports.
Still the most common term, but often used in combination with rafting/kayaking words.
We enjoyed whitewater rafting.
Emphasizes violent, raging rapids. Often used for extreme whitewater.
Loanword from English 'whitewater'. Used in sports contexts, but less common than native terms.
Whitewater rafting is popular.
To describe a section of river with fast, shallow water over rocks.
A general term for a shallow, fast-flowing part of a river. Often translated as 'rapids' or 'riffles'. Very common in river descriptions.
Fish are jumping in the rapids.
Specifically means 'shallows', but can imply rapids if the water is fast. Focuses on the shallow depth.
急流 (kyūryū) is the most general and neutral term for rapids. 激流 (gekiryū) emphasizes violence and intensity, suitable for dangerous or extreme rapids. 奔流 (honryū) is a literary word for a rushing torrent, often used in descriptive writing.
瀬 (se) is a very common word in Japanese for a shallow, fast part of a river. It often corresponds to 'rapids' in English, but it specifically implies shallowness. It's used in many compound words like 早瀬 (hayase) and 浅瀬 (asase).
激流をカヤックで下る。
Kayak down the raging rapids.
浅瀬を歩いて渡った。
We waded across the shallow rapids.