noun
tide; tidal current
Refers to the physical movement of seawater driven by tides. Used in oceanographic and nautical contexts.
この海域は潮流が速いので注意が必要だ。
The tidal current is fast in this sea area, so caution is needed.
noun
Figurative use for the general direction in which a society, era, or field is moving. Often used in formal or analytical writing.
時代の潮流に乗り遅れないようにしなければならない。
We must not fall behind the trends of the times.