noun
megaquake; massive earthquake
Refers to an exceptionally large earthquake, often used in news and disaster contexts.
専門家は近い将来、巨大地震が発生する可能性があると警告している。
Experts warn that a megaquake could occur in the near future.
大地震 is a general term for a large earthquake, while 巨大地震 emphasizes an exceptionally massive scale, often used for magnitude 8 or higher events.
Compound of 巨大 (huge) and 地震 (earthquake).