地震
A natural phenomenon where the ground shakes due to tectonic movement or volcanic activity. In Japan, it is a very common and essential word for daily life and safety updates.
Examples
3 of 5昨日、小さな地震がありました。
There was a small earthquake yesterday.
大規模な地震が発生した際、直ちに避難してください。
In the event of a large-scale earthquake, please evacuate immediately.
さっきの地震、結構揺れたね。
That earthquake just now shook quite a bit, didn't it?
Word Family
Memory Tip
The first kanji 地 means 'ground' and the second 震 means 'shake'. Think: 'Ground-shaking' = Jishin.
Quick Quiz
日本は( )が多い国です。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 地震
Examples
昨日、小さな地震がありました。
everydayThere was a small earthquake yesterday.
大規模な地震が発生した際、直ちに避難してください。
formalIn the event of a large-scale earthquake, please evacuate immediately.
さっきの地震、結構揺れたね。
informalThat earthquake just now shook quite a bit, didn't it?
本研究は地震の発生メカニズムを分析するものである。
academicThis study analyzes the mechanism of earthquake occurrence.
地震の影響により、商品の到着が遅れる可能性がございます。
businessDue to the impact of the earthquake, there is a possibility that the arrival of goods will be delayed.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
地震雷火事親父
Earthquakes, thunder, fire, and fathers (the four most feared things)
地震の備え
earthquake preparedness
地震に強い
earthquake-resistant / strong against earthquakes
Often Confused With
Usage Notes
Use 'ga okiru' or 'ga aru' to describe the occurrence of an earthquake. It is often combined with 'shindo' (seismic intensity scale) to describe how strong the shaking was.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the kanji or meaning with 'jishin' (confidence). Always check the context to determine if someone is talking about a natural disaster or their self-esteem.
Memory Tip
The first kanji 地 means 'ground' and the second 震 means 'shake'. Think: 'Ground-shaking' = Jishin.
Word Origin
A Sinitic compound (Kango) consisting of 地 (earth/ground) and 震 (shake/quake/vibrate).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, so 'jishin' is a word encountered almost daily in news, drills, and signage.
Quick Quiz
日本は( )が多い国です。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 地震
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
協力
A1Cooperation or collaboration where two or more people combine their efforts to achieve a common goal. It is used in both personal and professional settings to describe working together as a team or providing assistance.
提案
A1A suggestion or proposal of a plan or idea for others to consider. It is used in both casual conversations and professional meetings to introduce a potential course of action.
輸出
A1The act of sending goods or services produced in one country to another country for sale or trade. In Japanese, it functions as a noun and a suru-verb, representing the 'exit' of products from a domestic market.
輸入
A1The act of bringing goods, services, or materials into a country from abroad for sale or use. In Japanese, it functions as a noun or can be combined with 'suru' to become a verb meaning 'to import'.
資源
A1Shigen refers to valuable materials or assets, such as natural minerals, energy sources, or human talent, that can be used for production or survival. It is widely used in economics, environmental science, and daily life to describe both raw materials and abstract wealth.
保護
A1The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm, damage, or loss by providing care or creating boundaries. It is a versatile term in Japanese used for social welfare, environmental conservation, and digital security.
観察
A1Observation is the act of watching someone or something carefully in order to gain information or understand a process. It is frequently used in scientific studies, nature analysis, and describing the act of paying close attention to details.
競争
A1Kyousou refers to the act of competing or vying with others to achieve a goal, win a prize, or establish superiority. It is a versatile term used in sports, business, and academics to describe both structured contests and general rivalry.
拡大
A1The act of making something larger in size, scale, or scope. It is frequently used for physical enlargement (like a photo) or abstract growth (like a business or a problem).
製造
A1The process of making or producing goods, typically on a large scale using machinery. It refers specifically to industrial manufacturing rather than making things by hand on a small scale.
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