How to say "ripple" in Japanese

• 波なみJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe everyday word for waves on water; it covers ripples as small moving ridges on the surface, from tiny ripples in a pond to breakers at the shore.
  くだける波なみが泡あわを作つくった。↗

  The breaking waves formed foam.
• 波紋はもんCommon
  nounThe ring-shaped ripple that spreads over the water when something disturbs it — a dropped stone, for instance. It is also used figuratively for the stir or spreading reaction an event causes.
  石いしが池いけに波紋はもんを描えがいた。↗

  The stone started ripples in the pond.
• 波及はきゅうCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbNot a ripple on water at all: this is the figurative 'ripple effect', the spread of influence or aftereffects from an event, as when a price change works its way through the economy.
• しわJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounReally means 'wrinkle' or 'crease' — in skin, cloth or paper. Its 'ripple' sense is limited to that puckering of a surface, so it is seldom the word you want for ripples on water.

Use 波 for waves on water, including small ripples; 波紋 for the rings spreading over water or a figurative stir; 波及 for the figurative ripple effect of spreading influence; 「しわ」 only for wrinkles and creases.

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

• 波なみwave
• 波紋はもんripple
• 波及はきゅうspread
• リップルripple
• さざ波さざなみripple (on water)
• 小波こなみripple (on water)
• 波立つなみだつto be choppy (of waves)
• しわripple
• さざめくto shimmer