厄災 in 30 Sekunden
- Yakusai is a formal Japanese word meaning 'calamity' or 'catastrophe.'
- It combines 'yaku' (unlucky/misfortune) and 'sai' (disaster/fire).
- Used in literature, news, and fantasy to describe massive, tragic events.
- Higher register than 'saigai' and carries a sense of fated doom.
The Japanese word 厄災 (yakusai) is a profound and heavy noun that translates to 'calamity,' 'catastrophe,' or 'severe misfortune.' It is not a word used lightly in daily conversation, such as when one spills coffee or misses a train. Instead, it carries an weight of existential dread, historical significance, or massive-scale destruction. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, it occupies a space between the clinical term for a natural disaster (災害 - saigai) and the spiritual concept of an unlucky curse (厄 - yaku). When you encounter yakusai, you are dealing with an event that reshapes the world, a village, or a life in a devastating, often seemingly fated way.
- Kanji Breakdown: 厄 (Yaku)
- The first character, 厄, represents misfortune or an unlucky situation. It is famously used in the term 厄年 (yakudoshi), which refers to specific 'unlucky years' in a person's life according to traditional Japanese beliefs. It implies a sense of being trapped or facing a trial ordained by the universe.
- Kanji Breakdown: 災 (Sai)
- The second character, 災, combines the elements of 'fire' and 'flood' (flowing water). It is the standard kanji for disaster. Together with 厄, it emphasizes that the disaster is not just a physical event but a stroke of terrible luck or a cosmic catastrophe.
古代の予言は、この地に未曾有の厄災が降りかかることを示唆していた。(The ancient prophecy suggested that an unprecedented calamity would befall this land.)
In modern popular culture, particularly in video games and light novels, yakusai is frequently used to describe world-ending threats. For example, in the Japanese version of 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,' the antagonist Calamity Ganon is known as 厄災ガノン (Yakusai Ganon). This usage highlights the word's ability to convey a sense of overwhelming, malevolent force that transcends ordinary human understanding. It suggests a disaster that is both physical and metaphysical.
人々は祈りを捧げ、厄災が去るのを待った。(The people offered prayers and waited for the calamity to pass.)
Historically, yakusai was often linked to the wrath of gods or the imbalance of nature. In a contemporary setting, it might be used in a newspaper editorial to describe a pandemic or a massive economic collapse, lending a tone of gravity and solemnity to the reporting. It evokes a feeling of helplessness in the face of overwhelming odds. Unlike 災害 (saigai), which is the bureaucratic term for disasters like earthquakes handled by the government, yakusai focuses on the suffering and the 'evil' nature of the event itself.
- Register and Nuance
- This is a C1 level word because it requires an understanding of tone. You wouldn't use it for a flat tire. It is reserved for 'The Great Fire of Meireki' or 'The Black Death.' It is formal, high-register, and emotionally charged.
その彗星の衝突は、地球にとって最大の厄災となった。(The comet's impact became the greatest calamity for the Earth.)
彼はその厄災を生き延びた数少ない生存者の一人だ。(He is one of the few survivors who lived through that calamity.)
Using 厄災 (yakusai) correctly involves understanding its role as a powerful noun that often acts as the subject or the direct object of verbs related to occurrence, avoidance, or endurance. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently paired with verbs like 降りかかる (furikakaru - to befall), 招く (maneku - to bring about/invite), or 免れる (manukareru - to escape/evade). It is rarely used in casual, spoken Japanese unless one is being intentionally melodramatic or discussing a serious topic like a global crisis.
- Pattern 1: [Event] + は + 厄災 + だ
- This is the simplest form, identifying an event as a calamity. It defines the nature of the occurrence as something catastrophic. '戦争は人類にとって最大の厄災である' (War is the greatest calamity for humanity).
突然の火山噴火という厄災に見舞われた。(They were struck by the calamity of a sudden volcanic eruption.)
In this example, notice the use of 'に見舞われる' (ni mimawareru), a common passive expression used for disasters. It implies that the calamity 'visited' or 'struck' the people, emphasizing their lack of control over the situation. This is a very natural way to describe the impact of a yakusai.
- Pattern 2: 厄災を + [Verb]
- Common verbs include 払う (harau - to ward off), 避ける (yokeru - to avoid), and 鎮める (shizumeru - to calm/appease). These often appear in religious or mythological contexts. '神に祈って厄災を鎮める' (Pray to God to appease the calamity).
我々は、これ以上の厄災を招かないように注意しなければならない。(We must be careful not to bring about any further calamities.)
When discussing social issues, yakusai can be used metaphorically. For instance, a massive data breach or a systemic failure in a government can be called a 'digital yakusai.' This usage elevates the failure from a mere mistake to a catastrophic event that threatens the foundation of the system. It suggests that the consequences are far-reaching and difficult to recover from.
その政治的混乱は、国全体に広がる厄災の種となった。(That political turmoil became the seed of a calamity that spread throughout the entire country.)
- Pattern 3: 厄災の + [Noun]
- This is used to describe things associated with the calamity. '厄災の予感' (a premonition of calamity), '厄災の記憶' (memories of the calamity), '厄災の爪痕' (the scars/aftermath of the calamity).
村には、百年前の厄災の爪痕が今も残っている。(The scars of the calamity from a hundred years ago still remain in the village.)
While you won't hear 厄災 (yakusai) at the grocery store, it is a staple in specific high-level Japanese contexts. Understanding where it appears will help you grasp its weight and the seriousness of the situation being described. It is a word that signals to the listener: 'Pay attention; this is significant and potentially tragic.'
- Context 1: Historical Documentaries and Literature
- When historians discuss the Great Kanto Earthquake or the plagues of the Edo period, they often use yakusai to describe the sheer scale of the human suffering and social disruption. It frames these events not just as geological or biological occurrences, but as historical turning points defined by tragedy.
歴史家たちは、その飢饉を中世最大の厄災と呼んでいる。(Historians call that famine the greatest calamity of the Middle Ages.)
In classic literature, authors use yakusai to create a sense of impending doom or to describe the psychological impact of a great loss. It is a favorite word for writers who want to evoke a traditional, slightly archaic, or very serious atmosphere. Reading Natsume Soseki or Akutagawa Ryunosuke, you might find this word used to describe the 'calamities of the heart' or societal upheavals.
- Context 2: Fantasy and Sci-Fi Media
- This is perhaps the most common place for Japanese learners to encounter the word today. In anime like 'Attack on Titan' or games like 'Final Fantasy,' yakusai is used to describe apocalyptic events or monstrous entities that bring ruin. It sounds 'cool' and 'legendary' in these contexts, often translated as 'The Calamity' or 'The Scourge.'
封印が解かれれば、再び世界に厄災がもたらされるだろう。(If the seal is broken, calamity will likely be brought upon the world once again.)
The word is also used in religious contexts, particularly in Shinto or Buddhist sermons. A priest might talk about the importance of spiritual health to avoid the yakusai of the soul. In this sense, it bridges the gap between the material world and the spiritual world. It is the opposite of 'blessing' (祝福 - shukufuku).
このお守りは、あらゆる厄災からあなたを守ってくれるでしょう。(This amulet will probably protect you from all sorts of calamities.)
Even advanced learners of Japanese can struggle with the nuance of 厄災 (yakusai) because Japanese has many words for 'disaster' or 'misfortune.' Using the wrong one can make your sentence sound either too dramatic or too clinical. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when using this C1-level vocabulary.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 厄災 with 災害 (Saigai)
- 災害 (saigai) is the standard word for natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or typhoons. It is used by the government, the police, and in daily news. 厄災 (yakusai) is more literary and implies a sense of fate or 'bad luck' on a grand scale. If you say 'the government is preparing for a yakusai,' it sounds like they are preparing for a mythological dragon rather than a flood.
Wrong: 自然厄災対策を立てる。(Establish natural calamity countermeasures.)
Correct: 自然災害対策を立てる。(Establish natural disaster countermeasures.)
The 'correct' version is what you would see in a policy document. The 'wrong' version sounds like something out of a fantasy novel where the 'nature' itself is an evil force.
- Mistake 2: Using it for Personal, Minor Problems
- If you lose your wallet, that is a 災難 (sainan - a misfortune/bad luck) or just a 'trouble.' Calling it a yakusai is a massive exaggeration. It would be like saying 'A Great Catastrophe has befallen my pocket' in English. It might be funny as a joke, but it's not correct usage.
Wrong: 鍵を忘れるなんて、大変な厄災だ。(Forgetting my keys is a terrible calamity.)
Correct: 鍵を忘れるなんて、とんだ災難だ。(Forgetting my keys is quite a misfortune.)
The word 災難 (sainan) is much more flexible for everyday bad luck. Save yakusai for when the fate of a nation or the balance of the world is at stake.
- Mistake 3: Misunderstanding the 'Yaku' (厄)
- Some learners think yakusai is the same as 厄除け (yakuyoke - warding off evil). While related, yakusai is the event itself, while 厄除け is the action taken to prevent it. You cannot 'yakusai' someone; it is not a verb. It is the noun representing the disaster.
To truly master 厄災 (yakusai), you must see how it sits alongside its synonyms. Each of these words has a slightly different 'flavor' or register. Choosing the right one is the hallmark of a C1/C2 level speaker.
- 厄災 (Yakusai) vs. 災害 (Saigai)
- As mentioned, saigai is the technical and common term for disasters. Yakusai is more literary and implies a sense of 'curse' or 'unavoidable fate.'
Example: '災害救助' (disaster relief) vs. '厄災の予言' (prophecy of calamity). - 厄災 (Yakusai) vs. 災難 (Sainan)
- Sainan is used for personal misfortunes or 'bad luck' incidents. It is much smaller in scale than yakusai. If a bridge collapses, it's a saigai. If you were on it and survived but lost your phone, that's your sainan. If the entire civilization falls because of it, it's a yakusai.
- 厄災 (Yakusai) vs. 惨事 (Sanji)
- Sanji means 'tragedy' or 'disastrous accident.' It focuses on the horrific nature of the event and the loss of life. While a yakusai is a broad calamity, a sanji is specifically 'a terrible scene.'
Example: '大惨事' (a great tragedy/disaster).
その事故は悲劇的な惨事であったが、国全体を揺るがすほどの厄災ではなかった。(The accident was a tragic disaster, but it was not a calamity large enough to shake the whole nation.)
Another interesting alternative is 禍 (wazawai). This is a very literary, often singular kanji word that also means 'calamity' or 'evil.' It is often used in the phrase 'コロナ禍' (korona-ka), referring to the 'calamity of COVID.' Wazawai feels even more ancient and poetic than yakusai, often used in proverbs like '口は災いの元' (The mouth is the source of calamity / Out of the mouth comes evil).
- Register Comparison
-
- Casual: 運が悪い (un ga warui - bad luck)
- Standard: 災難 (sainan)
- Formal/Technical: 災害 (saigai)
- Literary/Dramatic: 厄災 (yakusai)
- Archaic/Poetic: 禍 (wazawai)
古文書には、空から降る火の厄災について記されている。(The ancient documents contain records of a calamity of fire falling from the sky.)
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The kanji 厄 (yaku) originally showed a person crouching under a cliff, suggesting a state of being trapped or oppressed by circumstances beyond one's control.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'sai' like 'say'. It should always be 'sigh'.
- Over-stressing the 'ku' syllable.
- Stressing the first syllable like English 'YAK-u-sai'. Keep it even.
- Confusing the 'u' sound with a rounded 'oo' like 'food'. It is more like 'put'.
- Making the 'a' sound too long like 'aa'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The kanji are N1 level, though the word is common in fantasy media.
Writing '厄' correctly requires attention to the radicals.
Easy to pronounce, but hard to use in the correct social context.
Distinctive sound makes it relatively easy to pick out in dramatic speech.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Passive voice with 'mimawareru'
被災地は厄災に見舞われた。
Noun modification with 'no'
厄災の記憶。
Compound adjectives like 'mizou no'
未曾有の厄災。
Transitive verbs for 'bringing' disaster
厄災をもたらす。
Conditional 'ba' for warnings
対策を怠れば、厄災を招く。
Beispiele nach Niveau
これは大きな厄災です。
This is a big calamity.
Simple A is B structure.
厄災が来ます。
A calamity is coming.
Subject + ga + verb.
厄災はこわい。
Calamities are scary.
Topic + wa + adjective.
古い話に厄災があります。
There is a calamity in old stories.
Existence verb 'arimasu'.
厄災から逃げます。
Run away from the calamity.
Particle 'kara' (from).
町に厄災がありました。
There was a calamity in the town.
Past tense 'arimashita'.
厄災はいやです。
I don't like calamities.
Expressing dislike.
みんなで厄災を止めます。
Everyone stops the calamity together.
Particle 'o' for direct object.
その村は厄災でなくなりました。
That village was gone because of a calamity.
Particle 'de' indicating cause.
恐ろしい厄災が起きました。
A terrifying calamity occurred.
Adjective 'osoroshii' modifying the noun.
厄災を防ぐために祈ります。
I pray in order to prevent calamity.
'~tame ni' (in order to).
アニメの中に厄災が出てきます。
Calamities appear in anime.
'~ni detekuru' (to appear in).
厄災の後に虹が出ました。
A rainbow appeared after the calamity.
'~no ato ni' (after...).
これは百年前の厄災です。
This is a calamity from a hundred years ago.
Time modification.
厄災はいつ終わりますか？
When will the calamity end?
Question form.
厄災に負けないでください。
Please don't give in to the calamity.
'~ni makenai de' (don't lose to).
突然の厄災が彼らの生活を変えた。
A sudden calamity changed their lives.
Transitive verb 'kaeta'.
予言者は厄災の到来を告げた。
The prophet announced the arrival of a calamity.
Noun 'tourai' (arrival).
この土地は何度も厄災に見舞われている。
This land has been struck by calamities many times.
Passive form 'mimawareru'.
厄災を避ける方法は見つからなかった。
A way to avoid the calamity was not found.
Potential/Negative 'mitsukaranakatta'.
人々は厄災を神の怒りだと信じた。
People believed the calamity was the wrath of God.
'~da to shinjita' (believed that...).
厄災から立ち直るには時間が必要だ。
Time is needed to recover from the calamity.
'~ni wa ... ga hitsuyou' (is necessary for...).
そのニュースは、新たな厄災の始まりを予感させた。
That news gave a premonition of the start of a new calamity.
Causative form 'yokansaseta'.
厄災の記憶は、世代を超えて語り継がれる。
The memory of the calamity is passed down through generations.
Compound verb 'kataritsugareru'.
未曾有の厄災がこの国を襲った。
An unprecedented calamity attacked this country.
Advanced adjective 'mizou no'.
人類は数々の厄災を乗り越えてきた。
Humanity has overcome numerous calamities.
Verb 'norikoeru' (to overcome).
その不注意な行動が、取り返しのつかない厄災を招いた。
That careless action invited an irreversible calamity.
Phrase 'torikaeshi no tsukanai' (irreversible).
厄災の爪痕は、今もなお深く刻まれている。
The scars of the calamity are still deeply carved even now.
Metaphorical use of 'tsumeato' (scars/claw marks).
彼は厄災を生き延び、新たな希望を見出した。
He survived the calamity and found new hope.
Verb 'miidasu' (to find/discover).
政府は厄災の被害を最小限に抑えようとした。
The government tried to keep the damage of the calamity to a minimum.
Volitional form + 'to shita' (tried to).
自然の猛威は、時に人間にとっての厄災となる。
The fury of nature sometimes becomes a calamity for humans.
Noun 'moui' (fury/rage).
その書物には、厄災を鎮めるための儀式が記されている。
In that book, rituals to appease the calamity are recorded.
Passive 'shirusarete iru'.
文明の崩壊は、まさに地球規模の厄災であった。
The collapse of civilization was truly a global-scale calamity.
Adverb 'masa ni' (truly/exactly).
我々は、過去の厄災から教訓を学ばなければならない。
We must learn lessons from past calamities.
Noun 'kyoukun' (lesson/moral).
その技術革新は、意図せぬ厄災をもたらす危険性を秘めている。
That technological innovation hides the risk of bringing unintended calamities.
Verb 'himeru' (to hide/harbor).
厄災の渦中にあっても、人々は互いに助け合った。
Even in the midst of the calamity, people helped each other.
Phrase 'kashuu ni atte mo' (even in the midst of).
このパンデミックは、現代社会が直面した最大の厄災の一つだ。
This pandemic is one of the greatest calamities modern society has faced.
Relative clause 'shakai ga chokumen shita'.
厄災を予見しながらも、何もできなかった無力感を覚える。
I feel a sense of helplessness, having foreseen the calamity but being unable to do anything.
Conjunction 'nagara mo' (even while).
宗教的な観点から言えば、厄災は浄化のプロセスとされることもある。
From a religious perspective, calamity is sometimes considered a process of purification.
Phrase 'kanten kara ieba' (from the perspective of).
厄災の影が忍び寄る中、平和な日々は終わりを告げた。
As the shadow of calamity crept closer, the peaceful days came to an end.
Verb 'shinibiyoru' (to creep up).
厄災という言葉には、単なる災害を超えた、宿命的な響きがある。
The word 'yakusai' has a fatalistic resonance that goes beyond simple disaster.
N + to iu kotoba (the word called...).
その独裁者の台頭は、国にとっての歴史的な厄災の序章に過ぎなかった。
The rise of that dictator was nothing more than the prologue to a historical calamity for the nation.
Phrase 'joshou ni suginakatta' (was nothing more than a prologue).
生態系のバランスが崩れることは、地球上の全生命にとっての厄災を意味する。
The disruption of the ecosystem's balance signifies a calamity for all life on Earth.
Nominalized clause + 'o imi suru'.
厄災の再来を阻止すべく、彼らは命を懸けて戦った。
In order to prevent the return of the calamity, they fought with their lives on the line.
Auxiliary 'subeku' (in order to/should).
社会不安が極限に達した時、人々はしばしば厄災のスケープゴートを求める。
When social unrest reaches its limit, people often seek a scapegoat for the calamity.
Compound noun 'shakai fuan'.
厄災の深淵を覗き込んだ者は、二度と元の自分には戻れない。
Those who have peered into the abyss of calamity can never return to their former selves.
Metaphorical 'shinen' (abyss).
言葉では言い尽くせないほどの厄災が、その美しい島を壊滅させた。
A calamity beyond words devastated that beautiful island.
Phrase 'kotoba de wa iitsukusenai' (indescribable).
厄災の連鎖を断ち切るためには、過去との決別が必要である。
To break the chain of calamities, a break from the past is necessary.
Noun 'ketsubetsu' (separation/farewell).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— A calamity befalls someone or somewhere. It implies the disaster comes from above or outside.
彼の一家に厄災が降りかかった。
— The return or recurrence of a calamity. Usually used for historical disasters.
人々は厄災の再来を恐れた。
— In the midst of a calamity. Describes being in the middle of a chaotic situation.
厄災の渦中で冷静さを保つ。
— The scars or aftermath left by a calamity. Very common in journalism.
各地に厄災の爪痕が残っている。
— To foresee or predict a calamity. Often used in stories about prophets.
彼はその厄災を予見していた。
— To survive a calamity. Focuses on the endurance of the survivors.
多くの人が厄災を生き延びた。
— Victims of a calamity. Used in formal contexts to honor the dead.
厄災の犠牲者に黙祷を捧げる。
— To minimize the impact of a calamity. Used in planning contexts.
厄災を最小限にする努力が必要だ。
— The arrival or onset of a calamity. Sounds very dramatic.
厄災の到来を告げる鐘の音。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Saigai is for specific natural disasters; Yakusai is for the broader calamity/misfortune.
Sainan is for personal bad luck; Yakusai is for large-scale catastrophes.
Yakkai means 'troublesome' or 'burdensome' (adjective), not a massive disaster.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To turn a calamity into a blessing. (Variation of 'wazawai tenjite fuku to nasu').
失敗をバネにして、厄災転じて福となした。
Literary— The spark or beginning of a calamity. Refers to a small problem that becomes huge.
その些細な争いが厄災の火種となった。
Formal— The edge or abyss of calamity. Implies being very close to total ruin.
国は厄災の淵に立たされている。
Dramatic— A storm of calamity. Used to describe multiple disasters happening at once.
厄災の嵐が吹き荒れる。
Literary— The opening of the curtain on a calamity. The start of a long period of suffering.
それが、十年に及ぶ厄災の幕開けだった。
Dramatic— To hold back or halt a calamity. Often used for heroes or emergency services.
堤防が厄災を食い止めた。
Neutral— The shadow of calamity. A feeling that something bad is about to happen.
平穏な日常に厄災の影が差す。
Literary— A chain reaction of calamities. One disaster leading to another.
厄災の連鎖を断ち切らねばならない。
Formal— A child of calamity. Someone who brings disaster wherever they go.
彼は自らを厄災の申し子と呼んだ。
Fantasy/Dramatic— The quagmire of calamity. A situation that is impossible to escape from.
一度厄災の泥沼にはまれば抜け出せない。
LiteraryLeicht verwechselbar
They use the same kanji in reverse order.
Saiyaku is almost identical but slightly more focused on the 'evil' aspect of the disaster. Yakusai is more common in modern fiction.
災厄を免れる。
Both mean a big disaster.
Daisanji focuses on the visual horror and immediate loss of life in an accident. Yakusai focuses on the fated nature of the event.
飛行機墜落という大惨事。
Similar meaning of calamity.
Wazawai is a single kanji and feels more archaic/proverbial.
口は災いの元。
Both refer to disasters.
Tensai specifically means a 'natural' disaster (act of god). Yakusai can be natural or man-made.
天災は忘れた頃にやってくる。
Both are bad events.
Kyousaku specifically means a bad harvest/crop failure.
長雨で凶作となった。
Satzmuster
Nは[人]にとっての厄災だ
その流行病は人類にとっての厄災だ。
厄災の渦中に[Verb]
厄災の渦中にあって、希望を捨てなかった。
未曾有の厄災が[Place]を襲う
未曾有の厄災がその島国を襲った。
厄災を招かないように[Verb]
厄災を招かないように、準備を怠らない。
[Event]という厄災に見舞われる
大洪水という厄災に見舞われた。
厄災の連鎖を[Verb]
厄災の連鎖を断ち切る必要がある。
厄災から逃げる
人々は必死で厄災から逃げた。
厄災の予兆を感じる
動物たちは厄災の予兆を感じ取っていた。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Rare in daily life, common in high-level literature, history, and fantasy media.
-
Using 'yakusai' for a lost wallet.
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災難 (sainan)
'Yakusai' is too big for personal bad luck.
-
Writing '自然厄災' in a science report.
→
自然災害 (shizen saigai)
'Saigai' is the correct technical term for natural disasters.
-
Using 'yakusai' as a verb (e.g., yakusai-suru).
→
厄災をもたらす (yakusai o motarasu)
'Yakusai' is a noun and cannot be turned into a verb with 'suru'.
-
Confusing 厄 with 尼 (nun).
→
厄 (yaku)
The stroke order and the bottom part are different. 厄 has a 'cliff' radical.
-
Pronouncing 'sai' as 'say'.
→
sai (rhymes with eye)
In Japanese, 'ai' is always a diphthong like 'eye'.
Tipps
Scale Matters
Always reserve 'yakusai' for events that affect many people or have historical weight. Using it for small things sounds sarcastic.
Pair with 'Mizou'
The phrase '未曾有の厄災' (unprecedented calamity) is a set piece in Japanese journalism and literature. Learn it as one unit.
Shrine Context
If you visit a shrine, you might see the word '厄' on amulets. This is the root of 'yakusai', focusing on warding off bad luck.
Gaming Context
When playing RPGs, if you see '厄災', look for the 'Big Bad' character. It usually heralds the final boss's arrival.
Verb Pairing
Remember 'yakusai o maneku' (invite calamity). It’s a very common way to describe how human error causes a disaster.
Avoid Clinical Use
Don't use 'yakusai' in a science paper about tectonic plates. Use 'saigai' there. Use 'yakusai' in the history or philosophy section.
Radical Recognition
The 災 kanji has 'fire' (火) at the bottom. This helps you remember it's about a destructive disaster.
Dramatic Effect
In creative writing, use 'yakusai' to set a dark, heavy mood for your setting.
Pitch Check
Listen for the lack of accent on the 'ku'. It should flow smoothly into the 'sai'.
English Equivalent
Think of it as 'Calamity' with a capital C, rather than just 'a disaster'.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Yaku' as 'Yucky' and 'Sai' as 'Sigh'. A 'Yakusai' is a 'Yucky' event that makes the whole world 'Sigh' in despair.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a giant fire (災) burning down a house that was built on an unlucky (厄) cliff edge. The combination is a total calamity.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'yakusai' to describe the plot of the last disaster movie you watched. Write three sentences using different collocations.
Wortherkunft
The word 'yakusai' is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. It combines two kanji that both relate to suffering and disaster, a common pattern in Japanese to intensify the meaning of a concept.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A combination of 'unlucky fate' and 'natural destruction by fire/water'.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Kultureller Kontext
Be careful when using this for actual recent tragedies. Using 'yakusai' for a real-life event like the 2011 earthquake might sound 'too poetic' or 'detached' compared to the more empathetic 'saigai' or 'shinsai'. Use it with respect for the gravity of the term.
In English, 'Calamity' sounds slightly old-fashioned or very formal. 'Yakusai' shares this same 'epic' feel. It is not something you'd say about a small error.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Historical Discussion
- 歴史的な厄災
- 厄災の記録
- 厄災を乗り越える
- 厄災の教訓
Fantasy Gaming
- 厄災の復活
- 厄災を封印する
- 厄災の予言
- 厄災の魔物
News/Journalism
- 地球規模の厄災
- 厄災の爪痕
- 未曾有の厄災
- 厄災を防ぐ
Literature
- 厄災の影
- 厄災の淵
- 降りかかる厄災
- 厄災の到来
Religious/Spiritual
- 厄災を払う
- 厄災を鎮める
- 神の厄災
- 厄災除け
Gesprächseinstiege
"もし未曾有の厄災が起きたら、まず何をしますか？ (If an unprecedented calamity occurred, what would you do first?)"
"日本の歴史の中で、一番大きな厄災は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think was the biggest calamity in Japanese history?)"
"最近のニュースで、これは「厄災」だと思ったことはありますか？ (Is there anything in recent news that you thought was a 'calamity'?)"
"「厄災ガノン」という言葉をゲームで聞いたことがありますか？ (Have you heard the term 'Calamity Ganon' in a game?)"
"厄災を避けるために、何か信じているジンクスはありますか？ (Do you have any jinxes you believe in to avoid calamity?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
あなたがこれまでに経験した、最も大変だった出来事を「厄災」という言葉を使って描写してください。 (Describe the most difficult event you have experienced so far using the word 'yakusai'.)
気候変動を「地球規模の厄災」と呼ぶことについて、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion about calling climate change a 'global-scale calamity'.)
空想の物語で、世界を救うために厄災に立ち向かう主人公の気持ちを想像して書いてください。 (In a fictional story, imagine and write about the feelings of a protagonist facing a calamity to save the world.)
「厄災転じて福となす」という言葉について、自分の経験を交えて説明してください。 (Explain the phrase 'turning calamity into a blessing' using your own experiences.)
歴史上の厄災から、私たちは現代に何を活かせるか考察してください。 (Consider what we can apply to the present day from historical calamities.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenUsually no. A car accident is a 'jiko' (accident) or 'sainan' (misfortune). You would only use 'yakusai' if the accident was part of a larger, apocalyptic chain of events.
Yes, both share the kanji 厄 (yaku). 'Yakudoshi' are the years where you are more likely to encounter 'yakusai' (calamities) according to tradition.
It is used in editorials or special reports about global crises, but 'saigai' is the standard word for daily weather or earthquake reports.
Only if you are discussing a major, industry-wide catastrophe. For a project delay, it is way too dramatic.
They are synonyms. 'Yakusai' is slightly more common in modern media like games and anime, while 'saiyaku' is often found in older literature.
It has 4 strokes. Start with the 'cliff' radical (top and left), then the inside part. Don't confuse it with 'ama' (nun).
Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic is often referred to as a 'yakusai' in formal writing to emphasize its global and tragic impact.
Metaphorically, yes. In fiction, a character who brings ruin might be called 'yakusai no moshigo' (child of calamity).
The most direct opposite is 'shukufuku' (blessing). It represents divine favor instead of divine/fated disaster.
Yes, it is used to describe the impurities and misfortunes that need to be cleansed through 'yakubarai' rituals.
Teste dich selbst 185 Fragen
Write a sentence using 厄災 and 恐ろしい (terrifying).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 厄災 and 招く (invite).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 未曾有の (unprecedented).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 連鎖 (chain).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 祈る (pray).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 生き延びる (survive).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 爪痕 (scars).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 宿命 (fate).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 予言 (prophecy).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 最小限 (minimum).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 直面する (face).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 壊滅 (destruction).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 忘れる (forget).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 立ち直る (recover).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 影 (shadow).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 淵 (abyss).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 守る (protect).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 鎮める (calm/appease).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 渦中 (midst).
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Write a sentence using 厄災 and 翻弄される (to be at the mercy of).
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Pronounce the word 'Yakusai' correctly with flat pitch.
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Explain the difference between 厄災 and 災害 in Japanese.
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Talk about a fictional 'Yakusai' you know from a game or movie.
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Discuss whether climate change should be called a 'Yakusai'.
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Use 厄災 in a sentence about an ancient legend.
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Describe the meaning of the kanji 厄 in your own words.
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How would you use 厄災 metaphorically in a business context?
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Debate the phrase '厄災転じて福となす'. Is it always possible?
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Say 'Please protect us from calamity' in polite Japanese.
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Describe a scene of a village after a 'Yakusai'.
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Explain why 厄災 is a C1 level word.
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Analyze the role of 'Yakusai' in Japanese mythology.
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Ask someone if they have heard the word 厄災 before.
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Use the collocation '厄災を招く' in a sentence about history.
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Talk about the 'Yakusai no tsumeato' of a specific historical event.
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Listen to the sentence: '厄災が去るのを待ちました。' What did they wait for?
Listen: '未曾有の厄災に直面しています。' What is the scale of the calamity?
Listen: '厄災の渦中で助け合いました。' When did they help each other?
Listen: '厄災の連鎖を断ち切るべく立ち上がった。' What was the purpose of rising up?
Listen: 'お守りは厄災から守ります。' What protects from what?
Listen: '厄災の爪痕が残っています。' What remains?
Listen: '厄災の影が忍び寄る。' What is happening?
Listen: '歴史的な厄災の序章だった。' Was it the end or the beginning?
Listen: '厄災を鎮める儀式。' What is the ritual for?
Listen: '厄災を招く行動。' What kind of action is it?
Listen: '厄災の犠牲者に黙祷を捧げる。' What are they doing for the victims?
Listen: '厄災の淵に立つ。' What is the situation?
Listen: '厄災はいつ終わるのか。' What is the speaker asking?
Listen: '突然の厄災に見舞われた。' How did the calamity happen?
Listen: '厄災を予見していた。' Did the speaker know it would happen?
/ 185 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
厄災 (yakusai) is your 'epic-scale' disaster word. While 'saigai' is for the news, 'yakusai' is for the history books and the legends. Example: '未曾有の厄災' (An unprecedented calamity).
- Yakusai is a formal Japanese word meaning 'calamity' or 'catastrophe.'
- It combines 'yaku' (unlucky/misfortune) and 'sai' (disaster/fire).
- Used in literature, news, and fantasy to describe massive, tragic events.
- Higher register than 'saigai' and carries a sense of fated doom.
Scale Matters
Always reserve 'yakusai' for events that affect many people or have historical weight. Using it for small things sounds sarcastic.
Pair with 'Mizou'
The phrase '未曾有の厄災' (unprecedented calamity) is a set piece in Japanese journalism and literature. Learn it as one unit.
Shrine Context
If you visit a shrine, you might see the word '厄' on amulets. This is the root of 'yakusai', focusing on warding off bad luck.
Gaming Context
When playing RPGs, if you see '厄災', look for the 'Big Bad' character. It usually heralds the final boss's arrival.
Beispiel
世界に厄災が起きませんように。
Verwandte Inhalte
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～上
B1Das Wort 'ue' bedeutet 'auf' oder 'über'.
〜の上
A2Auf oder über etwas. Zum Beispiel: 'Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch' (Hon wa tsukue no ue ni arimasu).
豊か
B1Reichhaltig; üppig. Ein reiches Leben (Ein yutaka Leben).
〜に従って
B1Gemäß den Anweisungen wurde das Gerät installiert.
酸性雨
B1Saurer Regen ist Niederschlag, dessen pH-Wert durch Luftverschmutzung gesenkt wurde.
営み
B1Aktivität; tägliches Leben; Unternehmung (z. B. die Aktivitäten des Lebens).
順応する
B1Sich an eine neue Umgebung oder Situation anpassen.
~を背景に
B1Vor dem Hintergrund von; mit... als Hintergrund.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Luftverschmutzung ist das Vorhandensein von Schadstoffen in der Luft. 'Die Luftverschmutzung in Großstädten hat in den letzten Jahren zugenommen.'
