Translation guide
The word 'tide' refers to the regular rise and fall of the sea. In Japanese, the most common word is 潮 (shio), but there are specific terms for high tide, low tide, and tidal currents. This guide covers natural expressions for talking about tides in everyday and travel contexts.
Referring to the tide in general, the phenomenon of the sea rising and falling.
The most common and general word for 'tide'. Can refer to the tide itself, seawater, or the tidal current.
A more technical or formal term for 'tide', often used in scientific contexts or tide tables.
Check the tide table.
The time when the sea reaches its highest level.
The time when the sea reaches its lowest level.
The movement of water caused by the tide, often important for fishing or boating.
Specific types of tides based on the moon's phase.
潮 (shio) is the general word for tide and is used in everyday phrases like 潮が満ちる (the tide comes in). 潮流 (chōryū) specifically means tidal current, the horizontal movement of water. 潮汐 (chōseki) is a formal/technical term for the astronomical tide, often seen in tide tables or scientific writing.
When checking tide times for beach trips or fishing, Japanese people often say 潮見表 (shio-mi-hyō, tide chart) or simply ask 今日の潮は？ (Kyō no shio wa?, What's the tide like today?). The words 満潮 and 干潮 are common in weather reports.
Since the tide is out, we can walk far out.
On neap tide days, the tidal current is weak.