How to say "eruption" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 噴火ふんかnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe word for a volcanic eruption: a volcano erupting with ash and lava. For 'eruption' in the geological sense this is the word you want; it is not used of the skin.
- nounAn eruption of the skin in response to an irritant: the rash that appears after touching something like a plant or detergent. Usually written in kana; it names the rash rather than individual pimples.
- 爆発ばくはつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThis word means 'explosion', 'detonation', or 'blast'; as a rendering of 'eruption' it is marginal. It fits only when English uses 'eruption' figuratively, of anger or laughter bursting out suddenly.
- 噴出ふんしゅつnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbEruption as an outflow: lava, smoke, steam, or water spewing, gushing, or spouting forth. It names the material bursting out rather than the volcanic event itself, for which 噴火 is the word.
- noun, adverb (with と)Eruption as spots: the small pimples or bumps that break out on the skin. It points to the individual bumps rather than the irritant rash of かぶれ, and has nothing to do with volcanoes.
Use 噴火 for a volcanic eruption, 噴出 for lava or steam spewing out, 「かぶれ」 for an irritant rash and 「ぶつぶつ」 for spotty skin eruptions; 爆発 means 'explosion' and fits 'eruption' only figuratively.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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