Japanese word

天災

Pronunciation

Romajitensai

Meaning

  • nounnatural disaster

Example

地震は大きな天災です。ji shin wa ō ki na ten sai de su

An earthquake is a major natural disaster.

Illustration for 天災 (natural disaster)

More examples

日頃から天災への備えが必要です。hi goro ka ra ten sai e no sona e ga hitsu yō de su

It is important to prepare for natural disasters in everyday life.

Core concept

Refers to a disaster that arises from powerful natural events beyond human control.

Common phrases

  • 天災に備えるten sai ni sona e ru

    prepare for a natural disaster

  • 天災に見舞われるten sai ni mi ma wa re ru

    be struck by a natural disaster

  • 天災の被害ten sai no hi gai

    damage from a natural disaster

Similar words

自然災害shizensaigai: A disaster caused by natural forces, with emphasis on the harm produced by the event.
天変地異tenpenchii: A large-scale natural event that causes major change or destruction.

Definition in Japanese

地震や洪水など、自然の力によって生じる大きな災害。ji shin ya kō zui na do shi zen no chikara ni yo tte shō ji ru ō ki na sai gai

Word origin

天災 (tensai) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 天 (ten, "heaven") and 災 (sai, "disaster"), linking the disaster to forces of nature.

Usage tips

  • The contrast between 天災 (tensai) and 人災 (jinsai) helps Japanese discussions separate natural causes from damage resulting from human decisions.

Opposites

  • 人災jinsaiman-made disasternoun

Word lists with this word