1.
spring tide; exceptionally high and low tides
The tides that occur around new moon and full moon when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon align, producing the largest tidal range. The opposite of neap tide.
An important concept for fishing, coastal activities, and traditional Japanese life. Spring tides occur roughly twice a month, around the 新月 (new moon) and 満月 (full moon). Composed of 大 (big/great) + 潮 (tide).
Common collocations
- 大潮の日: spring tide day
- 大潮の時期: spring tide period
- 大潮満潮: high water at spring tide
- 大潮干潮: low water at spring tide
Similar words
- 小潮: neap tide — the opposite, with the smallest tidal range, occurring at quarter moons
- 満潮: high tide — the peak water level, regardless of whether it is a spring or neap tide
- 干潮: low tide — the lowest water level
- 潮: tide — the general word for tides
Cultural note
Japanese fishing calendars and tide tables (潮見表) prominently mark 大潮 days, as many fish are more active during spring tides. 潮干狩り (clam digging at low tide) is a popular spring activity best done during 大潮.