noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
raging waves; stormy seas
Literal description of rough, violent ocean waves. Often used in weather reports or literary descriptions.
台風で海は荒波が立っていた。
The sea was raging with high waves due to the typhoon.
荒波にもまれる小舟。
A small boat tossed by the rough seas.
noun
hardships; adversity; troubles
Figurative use, likening life's difficulties to stormy seas. Common in set phrases like 人生の荒波 (the rough seas of life).
人生の荒波を乗り越える。
Overcome the hardships of life.
彼は社会の荒波にもまれて強くなった。
He was toughened by being tossed about in the rough seas of society.