How to say "rapids" in Japanese

• 川瀬かわせCommon
  nounRefers to the shallows of a river, where the water runs swiftly; it names a place in the river rather than the current itself, so it suits descriptions of river scenery.
• 滝川たきがわCommon
  nounSuggests a stream that rushes down like a waterfall; it fits a steeply descending river of rushing water, and carries that vivid image of plunging flow.
• 激流げきりゅうCommon
  nounStresses the raging, violent force of the water — stronger than the mere swiftness of 急流; the word for dangerous, powerful currents, as in floods or whitewater.
• 早瀬はやせCommon
  nounA stretch of river where the current runs swiftly; like 川瀬 it points to a spot along the river, but the emphasis falls on the speed of the flow.
• 急流きゅうりゅうCommon
  no-adjectiveNames a swift current — the fast-moving water itself rather than a spot along the river; it highlights speed, and lacks the raging, dangerous force that 激流 conveys.
  この急流きゅうりゅうで泳およぐのはとても無謀むぼうなことだ。↗

  It is very imprudent to swim in the rapids.

For a fast stretch of a river choose 川瀬 or 早瀬; for a stream rushing down like a waterfall choose 滝川; for the water itself choose 急流 for speed or 激流 for raging force.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 川瀬かわせrapids
• 滝川たきがわrapids
• 激流げきりゅうraging stream
• 早瀬はやせswift current
• 急流きゅうりゅうswift current
• 瀬せrapids