1.
breakwater; seawall
A structure built along a coast or harbor to protect against waves and storm surges.
防波堤で釣りをする。
To fish from the breakwater.
台風で防波堤が壊れた。
The seawall was damaged by the typhoon.
港を守るために大きな防波堤が築かれた。
A large breakwater was built to protect the harbor.
2.
bulwark; barrier (figurative)
Something that serves as a protective barrier against threats or harmful influences.
法律は犯罪に対する防波堤だ。
The law is a bulwark against crime.
教育こそが差別への防波堤になる。
Education itself becomes a barrier against discrimination.
地域の絆は災害に対する最大の防波堤である。
Community bonds are the greatest bulwark against disasters.
A compound of 防 (protect against), 波 (waves), and 堤 (embankment; levee). In Japan, breakwaters are a common sight at harbors and along the coast, often used as popular fishing spots. The figurative sense is frequently used in news and editorials.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 防波堤で釣りをする: to fish from a breakwater
- 防波堤を築く: to build a seawall
- 防波堤が決壊する: the breakwater collapses
- 防波堤の役割を果たす: to serve as a bulwark
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 堤防: levee; embankment — built along rivers to prevent flooding, while 防波堤 is for ocean waves
- 護岸: revetment; shore protection — reinforcement of riverbanks or coastlines
- 防潮堤: tidal barrier; storm surge wall — specifically designed against tidal surges and tsunamis