On January 1, 2024, Ishikawa Prefecture, Noto Peninsula, Japan experienced a Richter scale 7.6 magnitude earthquake, with Wajima City reaching an intensity level of 7. Japan, being a seismically active country, it’s essential to understand some Japanese vocabulary related to earthquakes and disaster prevention if you live there for an extended period. We’ve summarized the following Japanese terms (and simple Japanese sentences) for you.

What is also important: What Should I Do to Prepare for An Earthquake in Japan?

Japanese Vocabulary Related to Earthquake

– 地震 (jishin): Earthquake

– マグニチュード: Richter magnitude scale

– 震度 (shindo): Seismic intensity

– 震度階級 (shindo kaikyū): Seismic intensity class, indicating the size of the seismic intensity and the definition for each level. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency:
震度(shindo)０: People do not feel shaking, but seismographs record it.
震度(shindo)１: Some people indoors may feel a slight shake.
震度(shindo)２: Most people indoors feel shaking, and those asleep might wake up. Hanging objects sway slightly.
震度(shindo)３: Almost everyone indoors feels shaking, and some people walking may feel it. If asleep, most people wake up.
震度(shindo)４: Almost everyone is frightened, and almost everyone walking feels shaking. If asleep, almost everyone wakes up.
震度(shindo)５弱(weak): Most people feel fear, as if wanting to grab onto something.
震度(shindo)５強(strong): Most people feel restricted in their movements and cannot walk without holding onto something.
震度(shindo)６弱(weak): Standing becomes difficult.
震度(shindo)６強(strong)・震度７: Unable to stand, can only move on all fours. May roll due to shaking, and even unable to move or be lifted off the ground.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency Seismic Intensity Class Related Explanation Table

– 緊急地震速報 (kinkyū jishin sokuhō): Emergency Earthquake Alert

– 余震 (yoshin): Aftershock

– 津波 (tsunami): Tsunami

– 津波警報 (tsunami keihō): Tsunami warning

– 液状化現象 (ekijōka genshō): Liquefaction phenomenon

Japanese Vocabulary Related to Disaster Prevention

– 防災グッズ (bōsai guzzu): Disaster prevention goods

– インフラ: Infrastructure (basic living facilities such as water, electricity, gas, and transportation)

– 交通機関の乱れ (kōtsū kikan no midare): Disruption of public transportation (even to the point of suspension)

– デマ: False rumors and misinformation on social media

– ハザードマップ: Comprehensive disaster prevention map. It records evacuation locations during disasters, so it’s advisable to read and memorize it in advance.

– 避難 (hinan): Evacuation

– 避難場所 (hinan basho): Evacuation place

– 避難所 (hinanjo): Evacuation center

– 毛布 (mōfu): Blanket

– 食べ物 (tabemono): Food

– 寝る場所 (neru basho): Sleeping place

– 水 (mizu): Water

– 薬 (kusuri): Medicine

Survival Phrases during an Earthquake in Japanese

– 地震だ！ (Jishin da!): Earthquake!

– 助けて！ (Tasukete!): Help!

– 逃げて！ (Nigete!): Run away!

– 急いで！ (Isoide!): Hurry!

– 危ない！ (Abunai!): Dangerous!

– 大丈夫？／大丈夫。 (Daijōbu?/Daijōbu.): Are you okay?/I’m okay.

– 怪我 (Kega): Injury

– 病気 (Byōki): Sickness

– どこに逃げたらいいですか？ (Doko ni nigetara ii desu ka?): Where should I run?

– 一緒に行ってください。 (Issho ni itte kudasai.): Please take me with you.

– 避難所への地図を書いてください。 (Hinanjo e no chizu o kaite kudasai.): Please draw a map to the evacuation center.

– 電話はどこでかけられますか？ (Denwa wa doko de kakeraremasu ka?): Where can I make a phone call?

– 食べ物はどこでもらえますか？ (Tabemono wa doko de moraemasu ka?): Where can I get food?

We hope everyone living in Japan stays safe.