backwash; rip current; undertow
The seaward return flow of water after a wave breaks on the shore. Often contrasted with 寄せ波 (incoming wave).
See also: 寄せ波
引き波に足を取られないように気をつけてください。
Be careful not to get caught in the backwash.
stern wave
The wave created at the stern of a moving vessel. A nautical term.
船の後ろにできる引き波が美しかった。
The stern wave behind the ship was beautiful.
tsunami drawback
The receding of the sea before a tsunami wave arrives, exposing the seabed. Contrasted with 押し波 (incoming tsunami wave).
See also: 押し波
津波の前には引き波で海水が沖へ引いていく。
Before a tsunami, the seawater recedes offshore due to the drawback.
この海岸は引き波が強いことで知られている。
This beach is known for its strong rip currents.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant spelling; less common than 引き波.
Compound of 引き (hiki, 'pulling') + 波 (nami, 'wave'). The kanji 引 means 'pull' or 'draw back', describing the receding motion of the water.