ripple; wavelets
Small, gentle waves on the surface of water; often used in poetic or descriptive contexts.
Ripples are forming on the lake surface.
The wind spread ripples across the water.
ripple of uneasiness; disturbance; discord
Figurative use: a subtle disturbance or tension spreading through a group or situation, like ripples on water.
His single remark caused a ripple of uneasiness in the meeting.
A small disturbance is spreading through the company.
波紋 focuses on the circular pattern spreading from a disturbance, while さざ波 describes small, gentle ripples covering the water's surface.
さざ波 is the ordinary word for small ripples on water, while しわ is used more descriptively to compare fine ripples to wrinkles.
Common kanji-kana mixed spelling; the さざ part is usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling meaning 'small wave'; less common than さざ波.
Kana-only spelling; common in everyday writing.
Single-kanji spelling; literary and less common. Also read ささなみ (obsolete).
Kanji spelling meaning 'fine wave'; rare.
Compound of さざ (onomatopoeic element suggesting small, rustling movement) + 波 (wave). The reading さざなみ is standard; ささなみ is an older variant.