noun
backwash; rip current; undertow
The seaward return flow of water after a wave breaks on the shore. Often contrasted with 寄せ波 (incoming wave).
See also: 寄せ波
引き波に足を取られないように気をつけてください。
Be careful not to get caught in the backwash.
この海岸は引き波が強いことで知られている。
This beach is known for its strong rip currents.
noun
stern wave
The wave created at the stern of a moving vessel. A nautical term.
船の後ろにできる引き波が美しかった。
The stern wave behind the ship was beautiful.
noun
tsunami drawback
The receding of the sea before a tsunami wave arrives, exposing the seabed. Contrasted with 押し波 (incoming tsunami wave).
See also: 押し波
津波の前には引き波で海水が沖へ引いていく。
Before a tsunami, the seawater recedes offshore due to the drawback.
Compound of 引き (hiki, 'pulling') + 波 (nami, 'wave'). The kanji 引 means 'pull' or 'draw back', describing the receding motion of the water.