JLPT · Level 64
45 words
Japanese word
溶岩
Pronunciation
Romajiyōgan
Meaning
- nounlava
Example
溶岩はとても熱いです。yō gan wa to te mo atsu i de su
Lava is very hot.
More examples
溶岩が固まるまで近づかないでください。yō gan ga kata ma ru ma de chika zu ka na i de ku da sa i
Please do not approach until the lava has hardened.
Core concept
Refers to molten rock that reaches Earth's surface and flows or cools there.
Common phrases
溶岩流yō gan ryū
lava flow
溶岩の流出yō gan no ryū shutsu
the outflow of lava
Similar words
マグマmaguma: Molten rock found underground before reaching Earth's surface.
Definition in Japanese
火山の噴火で地表に流れ出た、溶けた岩石。ka zan no fun ka de chi hyō ni naga re de ta to ke ta gan seki
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 溶 (yō, "melt") + 岩 (gan, "rock") forms 溶岩 (yōgan), meaning rock melted by volcanic heat.
Usage tips
- Unlike magma, lava is molten rock after it reaches Earth's surface, so the distinction depends on location rather than composition.