A1 noun Neutral #3,664 most common

shio /ɕio/

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
1

潮が引いて、道が現れました。

The tide went out, and a path appeared.

2

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.

3

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

Noun
Verb
潮差す
Adjective
潮臭い
Related
潮流
💡

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:

Examples

1

潮が引いて、道が現れました。

everyday

The tide went out, and a path appeared.

2

本日は潮の流れが非常に速くなっております。

formal

The tidal current is very fast today.

3

潮干狩りに行くなら、今がチャンスだよ!

informal

If you're going shell-gathering, now is your chance!

4

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。

academic

The moon's gravitational pull has a direct impact on the ebb and flow of Earth's tides.

5

市場の潮目が変わる時期を慎重に見極める必要がある。

business

We need to carefully determine when the tide of the market will turn.

Word Family

Noun
Verb
潮差す
Adjective
潮臭い
Related
潮流

Common Collocations

潮が満ちる the tide rises
潮が引く the tide recedes
潮の流れ tidal current
潮の香り scent of the sea
潮干狩り shellfish gathering at low tide

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

vs

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

Used as a subject with particles like が or は Often combined with verbs of movement like 満ちる (rise) or 引く (recede)
🌍

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:

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