1.
natural disaster; cataclysm
Major natural disasters or extraordinary natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, or extreme weather events.
天変地異に備えて防災グッズを用意している。
I keep emergency supplies ready in case of natural disasters.
近年、世界各地で天変地異が増えている。
In recent years, natural disasters have been increasing around the world.
2.
extraordinary upheaval
Figuratively, any major unexpected change or upheaval that dramatically affects the situation.
天変地異でも起きない限り、計画は変わらない。
Unless there's some cataclysmic event, the plan won't change.
FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語):
天変 (unusual phenomena in the sky/heaven) + 地異 (unusual phenomena on earth)
COMPONENTS:
- 天: heaven, sky
- 変: change, anomaly
- 地: earth, ground
- 異: unusual, strange
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Japan experiences frequent natural disasters including earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions, making this term particularly relevant in Japanese society.
COMMON USAGE:
- 天変地異が起きる: a natural disaster occurs
- 天変地異に見舞われる: to be struck by a natural disaster
RELATED TERMS:
- 自然災害: natural disaster
- 大災害: major disaster
- 異常気象: abnormal weather