1.
major earthquake, great earthquake
A large-scale earthquake causing significant damage. Japan uses this term frequently due to its location on major fault lines and history of devastating earthquakes.
大地震が起きた。
A major earthquake occurred.
大地震に備えて防災グッズを準備した。
I prepared disaster supplies in case of a major earthquake.
専門家は、今後三十年以内に大地震が発生する確率が高いと警告している。
Experts warn that there is a high probability of a major earthquake occurring within the next thirty years.
READING:
Both おおじしん and だいじしん are used. おおじしん is the traditional reading and is used by NHK and most media. だいじしん is also widely accepted.
CULTURE:
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes, and 大地震 is a word that appears regularly in news and disaster preparedness materials. Major historical earthquakes include the 関東大震災 (1923 Great Kanto Earthquake) and the 東日本大震災 (2011 Great East Japan Earthquake).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 大地震が起きる: a major earthquake occurs
- 大地震に備える: to prepare for a major earthquake
- 大地震の被害: damage from a major earthquake
- 大地震が発生する: a major earthquake strikes