Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and natural way to say "severe earthquake" is 大地震 (daijishin) or 強い地震 (tsuyoi jishin). The choice depends on whether you emphasize magnitude or intensity, and the context (news, conversation, technical).
Referring to an earthquake that is large in scale or magnitude, often used in news or formal contexts.
Literally 'big earthquake'. This is the most common and natural term for a severe earthquake, especially in news reports and formal writing. It emphasizes the scale of the quake.
昨日、東北地方で大地震がありました。
Yesterday, there was a severe earthquake in the Tohoku region.
Means 'giant earthquake'. Used for extremely large earthquakes, like magnitude 8 or above. Often appears in scientific or disaster prevention contexts.
南海トラフ巨大地震に備えて防災訓練が行われた。
Disaster drills were conducted in preparation for a Nankai Trough mega-earthquake.
Describing an earthquake that feels very strong or violent, focusing on the shaking experience.
Literally 'strong earthquake'. This is a natural, everyday phrase to describe an earthquake with intense shaking. It's less formal than 大地震 and focuses on the felt intensity.
さっき、すごく強い地震があったね。
There was a really strong earthquake just now, wasn't there?
Means 'violent earthquake'. Emphasizes the violent, intense nature of the shaking. Slightly more dramatic than 強い地震.
激しい地震で家が大きく揺れた。
The house shook violently due to the severe earthquake.
A technical term used in the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale, corresponding to 'severe earthquake' (intensity 6 upper or 7). Not used in everyday conversation.
Highlighting the destructive consequences of the earthquake, such as damage or casualties.
Means 'earthquake with great damage'. This phrase focuses on the impact rather than the magnitude or shaking. It's natural in news and reports.
被害の大きい地震が続いている。
Destructive earthquakes are continuing.
Literally 'great disaster earthquake'. A compound term used in disaster management contexts. Not common in daily speech.
大災害地震に備えた計画が必要だ。
A plan for a catastrophic earthquake is necessary.
大地震 (daijishin) refers to the scale/magnitude of the earthquake, often used in news. 強い地震 (tsuyoi jishin) refers to the felt intensity of shaking, more common in casual conversation. If you want to say 'a severe earthquake hit the city', 大地震 is more natural. If you want to say 'I felt a severe earthquake', 強い地震 is better.
The English word 'severe' can be translated as 厳しい (kibishii) or 深刻な (shinkoku na), but these are not used with 'earthquake' in Japanese. 厳しい地震 sounds unnatural. Stick to the options above.
その地域を大地震が襲った。
A severe earthquake struck the region.
昨夜、強い地震を経験しました。
We experienced a severe earthquake last night.
A severe earthquake of intensity 7 was observed.