震源
The hypocenter or focus of an earthquake, referring to the exact point underground where the seismic activity starts. It is also used metaphorically to describe the point of origin for a rumor, a social movement, or a crisis.
Examples
3 of 5震源はどこですか？
Where is the hypocenter?
震源の深さは約10キロと推定されています。
The depth of the hypocenter is estimated to be approximately 10 kilometers.
この噂の震源は、たぶん彼だよ。
The source of this rumor is probably him.
Word Family
Memory Tip
The first Kanji 震 means 'shake' and the second 源 means 'source'. It literally means the 'shake source'.
Quick Quiz
ニュースによると、今回の地震の____はとても深かったそうです。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 震源
Examples
震源はどこですか？
everydayWhere is the hypocenter?
震源の深さは約10キロと推定されています。
formalThe depth of the hypocenter is estimated to be approximately 10 kilometers.
この噂の震源は、たぶん彼だよ。
informalThe source of this rumor is probably him.
震源の断層モデルを解析することで、地震の仕組みを理解する。
academicWe understand the mechanism of earthquakes by analyzing the fault model of the hypocenter.
今回の不況の震源は、海外の金融不安にある。
businessThe source of this recession lies in overseas financial instability.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
震源地となる
to be the epicenter/source of something
震源を突き止める
to track down the source
震源が特定される
the hypocenter is identified
Often Confused With
Shingen is the point underground where the quake starts; Shino is the point on the Earth's surface directly above it.
Shindo measures the intensity of shaking at a specific location, while Shingen is the source point.
Usage Notes
While strictly a seismological term, it is very frequently used in news and daily conversation to describe the 'ground zero' or origin of non-physical events like scandals or economic trends.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 'Shingen' with 'Shindo' (intensity). Remember that 'Shingen' is the place/source, whereas 'Shindo' is the measurement of how much it shook.
Memory Tip
The first Kanji 震 means 'shake' and the second 源 means 'source'. It literally means the 'shake source'.
Word Origin
A compound of 震 (shin - to shake/quake) and 源 (gen - source/origin/fountainhead).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Japan is a highly earthquake-prone country, so words like 'Shingen' appear almost daily in weather reports and news broadcasts.
Quick Quiz
ニュースによると、今回の地震の____はとても深かったそうです。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 震源
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
対角
A1Refers to a diagonal relationship or position, specifically relating to opposite corners or angles in a geometric shape or a physical space. It is commonly used in mathematics to describe lines connecting non-adjacent vertices, as well as in daily life to describe sitting or standing diagonally across from someone.
半径
A1The distance from the center of a circle to its outer edge. It is half of the diameter and is used in both mathematical contexts and to describe a physical area around a specific point.
直径
A1The distance from one side of a circle to the other, passing through the center point. It is a fundamental measurement used in geometry and daily life to describe the size of round objects like plates or pipes.
面積
A1面積 refers to the measurement of the size of a surface or the amount of space inside a two-dimensional shape. It is commonly used in mathematics, real estate, and geography to describe how much space a flat object or land occupies.
容積
A1The internal volume or capacity of a container or three-dimensional space. It refers to how much a container can hold, often used in architectural, shipping, or scientific contexts.
重量
A1The measurement of how heavy an object is, typically expressed in standard units like kilograms or pounds. It is frequently used in technical, industrial, or official contexts such as shipping and manufacturing.
密度
A1Density refers to the degree to which something is compact or crowded. It can describe physical mass per volume, the concentration of people in an area, or the richness and intensity of time and content.
濃度
A1The degree to which a substance is contained within a solution or mixture, or the depth of color and thickness of a liquid. It is commonly used in scientific, culinary, and environmental contexts to describe how strong or weak a solution is.
硬度
A1Hardness refers to the degree or level of how hard a material is, often measured scientifically. It is commonly used to describe the physical properties of minerals, metals, or the mineral content in water (water hardness).
温度
A1Temperature refers to the physical measurement of how hot or cold an object, liquid, or environment is. It is measured in degrees and is a fundamental concept used in daily life, science, and weather.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free