天災
Meanings
1
natural disaster; act of God
Refers to disasters caused by natural forces, such as earthquakes, floods, or typhoons. Often used in formal, legal, or insurance contexts.
Japan is a country with many natural disasters.
The damage was determined to be due to an act of God.
Usage patterns
- 〈天災〉に遭うto be struck by a natural disaster
Last year, we were struck by an earthquake, a natural disaster.
- 〈天災〉に見舞われるto be hit by a natural disaster
That region is hit by natural disasters almost every year.
- 天災による〈被害〉damage caused by a natural disaster
Damage caused by a natural disaster is sometimes covered by insurance.
- 天災を防ぐto prevent (the effects of) a natural disaster
Measures such as raising levees are being taken to prevent natural disasters.
Expressions
- 天災は忘れた頃にやってくるnatural disasters strike when you least expect them