Translation guide
Describes a fast-flowing, turbulent section of a river. In Japanese, the most common and natural word is 急流 (kyūryū). Other terms exist for specific nuances like shallows or whitewater.
To refer to a fast-flowing, rough part of a river in general.
To refer specifically to rapids in the context of whitewater sports.
To describe a section of river with fast, shallow water over rocks.
急流 (kyūryū) is the most general and neutral term for rapids. 激流 (gekiryū) emphasizes violence and intensity, suitable for dangerous or extreme rapids. 奔流 (honryū) is a literary word for a rushing torrent, often used in descriptive writing.
瀬 (se) is a very common word in Japanese for a shallow, fast part of a river. It often corresponds to 'rapids' in English, but it specifically implies shallowness. It's used in many compound words like 早瀬 (hayase) and 浅瀬 (asase).
The standard, neutral word for 'rapids' or 'swift current'. Suitable for most contexts.
この川は急流が多い。
This river has many rapids.
急流を下るのは危険だ。
Going down the rapids is dangerous.
Literally 'fast shallows'. Often used for rapids in a river, especially when emphasizing the swift current over shallow areas. Common in place names and literature.
早瀬を渡るのは難しい。
Crossing the rapids is difficult.
A more literary or dramatic term for a rushing torrent or rapid stream. Implies powerful, surging water.
奔流が岩を砕く。
The rapids smash against the rocks.
Still the most common term, but often used in combination with rafting/kayaking words.
急流下りを楽しんだ。
We enjoyed whitewater rafting.
Emphasizes violent, raging rapids. Often used for extreme whitewater.
激流をカヤックで下る。
Kayak down the raging rapids.
Loanword from English 'whitewater'. Used in sports contexts, but less common than native terms.
ホワイトウォーターラフティングが人気だ。
Whitewater rafting is popular.
Fish are jumping in the rapids.
Specifically means 'shallows', but can imply rapids if the water is fast. Focuses on the shallow depth.
浅瀬を歩いて渡った。
We waded across the shallow rapids.