Meanings
Usage patterns
波が立つfor waves to rise/form
The wind picked up and waves formed on the sea.
波が高いthe waves are high/rough
The waves are high today, so we canceled the fishing trip.
波にさらわれるto be swept away by a wave
The child was swept away by a wave and nearly drowned.
〈事〉の波が押し寄せるa wave of ~ surges in
A wave of recession swept in, and many companies went bankrupt.
〈事〉には波がある~ has its ups and downs
Life has its ups and downs.
Expressions
荒い波rough waves; raging waves; stormy seas 波に乗るgo with the flow; ride the wave; move with the times 波を切るcut through the waves; plow through the waves 浅瀬に仇波shallow streams are noisy; deep rivers flow silently; empty vessels make the most sound
