1.
tide, tidal flow
The rise and fall of sea water caused by gravitational forces. Also refers to the flow of ocean currents.
潮が満ちてきた。
The tide has come in.
潮の流れが速い。
The tidal current is fast.
潮が引いたら、岩場で貝を拾える。
When the tide goes out, you can pick up shellfish on the rocks.
2.
opportunity, good time
A favorable moment or turning point. Often used in the expression 潮どき (a good time to do something).
そろそろ潮どきだ。
It's about time (to go/act).
引き際の潮どきを見極める。
To judge the right moment to withdraw.
会議が長引いてきたので、潮どきを見て席を立った。
The meeting was dragging on, so I found the right moment and excused myself.
USAGE:
潮 refers to ocean tides and currents. Not to be confused with 塩 (salt), which is a homophone.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 潮が満ちる: the tide comes in
- 潮が引く: the tide goes out
- 潮の流れ: tidal current
- 潮どき: the right time, a good opportunity
- 潮風: sea breeze
KANJI NOTES:
潮 can also be read as うしお, an older literary reading.