Translation guide
The English word 'watershed' has two main meanings: a geographical drainage divide and a figurative turning point. This guide helps learners express both concepts naturally in Japanese.
The ridge or line separating two river basins; an area of land that drains into a particular river or lake.
A critical moment or event that marks an important change, after which things are never the same.
分水嶺 (watershed divide) is the boundary line, while 流域 (drainage basin) is the area drained by a river. In English, 'watershed' can mean both, but in Japanese they are distinct. Use 分水嶺 for the divide and 流域 for the basin.
While 分水嶺 can be used figuratively like the English 'watershed moment', it is less common in casual speech. For everyday turning points, 転機 or 節目 are more natural.
その裁判所の判決は公民権にとって分水嶺となった。
The court's decision was a watershed for civil rights.
Formal, written style.
The standard term for a drainage divide, often used in geography and formal contexts.
この山脈が太平洋と日本海の分水嶺になっている。
This mountain range forms the watershed between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan.
Similar to 分水嶺, but more technical; often used in hydrology and environmental science.
分水界を越えて水を引く計画がある。
There is a plan to divert water across the watershed.
Refers to a drainage basin or catchment area, i.e., the land area that drains into a river. Often used in environmental and water management contexts.
この川の流域には多くの町がある。
There are many towns in the watershed of this river.
Refers to a river system or drainage network. More about the connected waterways than the dividing line.
利根川水系は日本最大の流域面積を持つ。
The Tone River system has the largest watershed area in Japan.
Also used figuratively to mean a decisive turning point, similar to the English metaphorical use.
その事件は彼の人生の分水嶺となった。
That event became a watershed in his life.
A turning point or critical juncture, often used for personal or historical changes.
あの決断が人生の転機になった。
That decision became a watershed moment in my life.
A milestone or turning point, often implying a significant stage in a process or life.
卒業は人生の大きな節目だ。
Graduation is a major watershed in life.
A historical turning point, often used for events that change the course of history.
その革命は歴史的な転換点となった。
The revolution was a watershed moment in history.
A fork in the road; a decisive point where things diverge. Can be used figuratively.
この試合が優勝への分かれ目だ。
This match is the watershed for the championship.