noun
Refers to social, political, or situational upheaval; often used in news contexts for scandals, conflicts, or chaotic events.
その発言が党内に波乱を巻き起こした。
That remark caused turmoil within the party.
It was a tournament that began with an uproar.
noun
Describes the unpredictable changes and hardships in life; often used in set phrases like 波乱万丈.
彼の人生は波乱に満ちていた。
His life was full of ups and downs.
波乱万丈の生涯を送る。
Lead a life of many vicissitudes.
noun
small and large waves
Obsolete literal meaning referring to the original image of waves; not used in modern Japanese outside historical or literary contexts.
古語では「波瀾」は文字通り大小の波を指した。
In old language, 波瀾 literally referred to small and large waves.