Translation guide
To cause trouble, attract attention, or create a significant impact, often by challenging the status quo.
To create problems or disrupt a stable situation, often by speaking out or acting against the norm.
Literally 'to raise waves and wind', this is the most direct equivalent for causing trouble or discord in a group or relationship.
彼は会議で波風を立てるような発言をした。
He made a remark that made waves at the meeting.
Means to stir up trouble or make an issue worse. Often used when someone escalates a situation unnecessarily.
To do something new, bold, or unconventional that gets noticed, often in a positive or neutral sense.
Means 'to attract attention' or 'to become the talk of the town'. Used when something creates buzz or becomes a hot topic.
彼の新しいデザインは業界で話題を呼んだ。
His new design made waves in the industry.
To have a powerful effect that alters a situation or field, often in a lasting way.
A general phrase meaning 'to have an influence' or 'to make an impact'. Can be used in many contexts.
彼女の研究は医学に大きな影響を与えた。
Her research made waves in medicine.
Do not translate 'make waves' literally as 波を作る (なみをつくる). That means 'to create waves' in a physical sense, like in water, and does not convey the idiomatic meaning.
彼女は事を荒立てないように静かに話し合った。
She discussed it quietly so as not to make waves.
Literally 'to cause a commotion'. Used for creating a public disturbance or uproar.
酔っ払いが店で騒ぎを起こした。
A drunk made waves in the store.
Literally 'to throw a stone', meaning to make a proposal or take an action that stirs up discussion or change. Often used in intellectual or social contexts.
その論文は学界に一石を投じた。
The paper made waves in academic circles.
Literally 'to cause a whirlwind', meaning to create a sensation or have a huge impact. Often used for phenomena that take the world by storm.
その映画は世界中で旋風を巻き起こした。
The movie made waves around the world.
Means 'to give a shock' or 'to have a startling impact'. Used when something surprises or shakes up a field.
その発見は科学界に衝撃を与えた。
The discovery made waves in the scientific community.