Japanese word

地震

Pronunciation

Romajijishin

Meaning

  • nounearthquake

Example

家で地震を感じました。ie de ji shin o kan ji ma shi ta

I felt an earthquake at home.

Illustration for 地震 (earthquake)

More examples

大きな揺れの後、地震の被害を確認しました。ō ki na yu re no ato ji shin no hi gai o kaku nin shi ma shi ta

After the strong shaking, I checked the damage from the earthquake.

Core concept

Describes a sudden release of force below the surface that makes the earth shake.

Common phrases

  • 大地震ō ji shin

    major earthquake

  • 地震が起きるji shin ga o ki ru

    an earthquake occurs

  • 地震を感じるji shin o kan ji ru

    feel an earthquake

  • 地震に備えるji shin ni sona e ru

    prepare for an earthquake

Definition in Japanese

地中で起こる急な揺れによって、地面や建物が大きく揺れ動く現象。chi chū de o ko ru kyū na yu re ni yo tte ji men ya tate mono ga ō ki ku yu re ugo ku gen shō

Word origin

地震 (jishin) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 地 (ji, "earth") and 震 (shin, "shaking").

Usage tips

  • In Japan, a public alert called 緊急地震速報 (kinkyū jishin sokuhō) can warn people of strong shaking before it arrives.

Word lists with this word