Translation and Meaning of: 噴火 - funka

The Japanese word 「噴火」 (ふんか, funka) refers to the eruption of a volcano, a natural phenomenon in which magma is expelled from the Earth's interior to the surface. The word is composed of two kanji characters: 「噴」 (fun), which means "to spout" or "to gush," a clear indication of the explosive movement of magma; and 「火」 (ka), which means "fire," capturing the incandescent nature of volcanic lavas. The combination of these characters vividly expresses the idea of fire being violently ejected.

The etymology of the kanjis used helps to better understand the concept of eruption in the geological context. The kanji 「噴」 contains the radical 「口」 (kuchi), which means "mouth" or "opening," characterizing the action of expulsion, while 「火」 reflects the element of fire, an essential characteristic of the material expelled during a volcanic eruption. This term, therefore, encapsulates the image of the destructive and visual power of volcanoes.

Japan has many active volcanoes due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense tectonic activity. Historically, volcanic eruptions such as that of Mount Fuji or Sakurajima have shaped not only the geography but also the local culture and history. The term 「噴火」 not only describes a natural phenomenon but also evokes the tradition of respect and reverence for the powers of nature that are deeply rooted in Japanese society and practices.

Moreover, the use of 「噴火」 extends to scientific descriptions, news reports, and historical accounts, demonstrating the vitality of a word that adapts to multiple contexts without losing its original meaning. The word can appear in different grammatical forms, adjusting to the tense and mode of communication, such as 「噴火する」 (funka suru), which translates directly to "erupt" or "burst forth."

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 噴火 (Funka) - volcanic eruption
• 火山噴火 (Kazan Funka) - volcano eruption
• 火山爆発 (Kazan Bakuhatsu) - volcanic explosion
• 火山噴出 (Kazan Funshutsu) - volcanic emission
• 火山噴煙 (Kazan Funen) - volcanic smoke
• 火山噴燃 (Kazan Funen) - lava eruption
• 火山噴泉 (Kazan Funsen) - volcanic hot water spout
• 火山噴気 (Kazan Funki) - volcanic gas
• 火山噴流 (Kazan Funryū) - pyroclastic flow
• 火山噴煙柱 (Kazan Funenbaku) - volcanic smoke column

噴火

Romaji: funka
Kana: ふんか
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Eruption

Meaning in English: eruption

Definition: Phenomenon in which magma and gas are ejected from a volcano.

Example Sentences - (噴火) funka

See below some example sentences:

噴火が起こった。

Funka ga okotta

A volcanic eruption occurred.

The eruption has occurred.

• 噴火 - volcanic eruption
• が - subject particle
• 起こった - occurred

溶岩が噴火した。

Yōgan ga funka shita

The lava erupted.

The lava erupted.

• 溶岩 - lava
• が - Subject particle
• 噴火 - volcanic eruption
• した - past tense of the verb "to do"