1.
whirlpool; tidal vortex
A swirling current in the sea, formed where strong tides meet in a narrow channel. The whirlpools of Naruto are especially famous.
渦潮を見に行った。
We went to see the whirlpools.
鳴門の渦潮は世界でも有名だ。
The whirlpools of Naruto are famous worldwide.
潮の流れが速い場所では大きな渦潮ができる。
Large whirlpools form in places where the tidal current is fast.
Formed from 渦 (eddy) + 潮 (tide), referring specifically to whirlpools created by tidal currents in the sea. The 鳴門 whirlpools between Shikoku and Awaji Island are a well-known tourist sight.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 渦潮ができる: a whirlpool forms
- 渦潮見物: whirlpool sightseeing
- 大きな渦潮: a large whirlpool
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 渦巻き: spiral; swirl — a general swirl of any kind; 渦潮 is specifically a tidal whirlpool at sea