潮
Refers to the movement of the sea's water, specifically the rising and falling of the tide. It is also used metaphorically to describe a prevailing trend or the 'flow' of a situation.
Examples
3 of 5潮が引いて、道が現れました。
The tide went out, and a path appeared.
本日は潮の流れが非常に速くなっております。
The tidal current is very fast today.
潮干狩りに行くなら、今がチャンスだよ!
If you're going shell-gathering, now is your chance!
Word Family
Memory Tip
The left side is water (氵). The right side is morning (朝). Think of the 'water' you see in the 'morning' at the beach: the tide.
Quick Quiz
海の( )が満ちてきました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 潮
Examples
潮が引いて、道が現れました。
everydayThe tide went out, and a path appeared.
本日は潮の流れが非常に速くなっております。
formalThe tidal current is very fast today.
潮干狩りに行くなら、今がチャンスだよ!
informalIf you're going shell-gathering, now is your chance!
月の引力は地球の潮の満ち引きに直接的な影響を与える。
academicThe moon's gravitational pull has a direct impact on the ebb and flow of Earth's tides.
市場の潮目が変わる時期を慎重に見極める必要がある。
businessWe need to carefully determine when the tide of the market will turn.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
潮時
the right time / the chance (originally meaning the time of the tide)
潮を吹く
to spray water (like a whale)
潮目が変わる
the tide is turning / the situation changes
Often Confused With
塩 (shio) means 'salt' (the seasoning), whereas 潮 (shio) means 'tide' or 'seawater'.
Usage Notes
Use this word when discussing the ocean's movement or a metaphorical shift in trends. While pronounced 'shio', it is distinct from 'salt' in writing and specific context.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the kanji for salt (塩) when they mean the tide (潮) because they share the same pronunciation 'shio'.
Memory Tip
The left side is water (氵). The right side is morning (朝). Think of the 'water' you see in the 'morning' at the beach: the tide.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Japanese word 'shio', which referred to both salt and the saltwater of the tide, highlighting the deep connection between the two.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'shiohigari' (clam digging at low tide) is a very popular seasonal activity in spring for families.
Quick Quiz
海の( )が満ちてきました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 潮
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