Translation guide
A sudden, violent, and large-scale disaster or upheaval, often with natural or societal connotations.
To refer to a catastrophic natural event like a flood, earthquake, or volcanic eruption that causes massive destruction.
General term for a major disaster, often natural. Neutral and widely understood.
その地震は未曾有の大災害を引き起こした。
The earthquake caused an unprecedented cataclysm.
Literally 'heaven's change and earth's anomaly'; a cataclysmic natural phenomenon. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
伝説では、天変地異が王国を滅ぼした。
Legend says a cataclysm destroyed the kingdom.
Sudden and drastic change, often used for environmental or social upheaval. Less disaster-specific.
気候の激変が生態系を破壊した。
The climatic cataclysm destroyed the ecosystem.
To describe a sudden, violent disruption in society, politics, or history, such as a revolution or collapse.
Major upheaval or cataclysm, often used for social, political, or economic shifts.
戦争は社会の大変動をもたらした。
The war brought about a social cataclysm.
Violent upheaval or turbulence, commonly used for historical periods of drastic change.
革命の激動が国を揺るがした。
The cataclysm of the revolution shook the nation.
Catastrophe or ruin, often implying a final, disastrous outcome. Can be used for personal or societal collapse.
To describe a devastating event in one's personal life, such as a sudden loss or life-altering tragedy.
Tragedy; a very sad event. Commonly used for personal catastrophes.
彼の死は家族にとって大悲劇だった。
His death was a cataclysm for the family.
Ruin, destruction; often used for personal downfall or complete failure.
大災害 is the standard term for a major disaster, used in news and everyday speech. 天変地異 has a more literary or dramatic feel, often implying a supernatural or cosmic scale.
The English word 'cataclysm' is often used hyperbolically. In Japanese, direct equivalents like 大災害 or 大変動 are more literal and less common in casual exaggeration. For hyperbolic use, consider 大惨事 (だいさんじ) or simply 大変なこと.
それは大変なことになった。
It turned into a cataclysm (hyperbolic).
The policy led to a national cataclysm.
The scandal brought cataclysm to his life.