1.
natural phenomenon; natural occurrence
Used in scientific, educational, and general contexts.
オーロラは美しい自然現象だ。
The aurora is a beautiful natural phenomenon.
地震は日本でよく起きる自然現象だ。
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon that frequently occurs in Japan.
科学者たちはさまざまな自然現象のメカニズムを解明しようとしている。
Scientists are trying to elucidate the mechanisms of various natural phenomena.
Composed of 自然 (nature) + 現象 (phenomenon). A broad term covering any event or process that occurs in nature without human intervention, from weather patterns to geological activity to astronomical events.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自然現象を観察する: to observe natural phenomena
- 自然現象のメカニズム: mechanism of natural phenomena
- 不思議な自然現象: mysterious natural phenomenon
EXAMPLES OF NATURAL PHENOMENA:
- 地震: earthquakes
- 台風: typhoons
- 虹: rainbows
- オーロラ: aurora
- 潮の満ち引き: tides
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 天変地異: natural calamity, upheaval (dramatic, negative connotation)
- 自然災害: natural disaster (specifically destructive events)
- 気象現象: meteorological phenomenon (weather-specific)