Meaning and Usage
The word 災害 (さいがい) refers to natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, floods, typhoons, or other calamities causing significant damage or misfortune. It is a formal noun often used in news reports, official documents, and discussions about safety and emergency preparedness.
Common Contexts
災害 is frequently paired with words related to prevention (対策), response (対応), and recovery (復旧). It is also common in compound terms like 災害救助 (disaster relief) and 災害情報 (disaster information).
Collocations and Patterns
- 災害時 (さいがいじ): "during a disaster" — used to specify timing when disaster strikes.
- 災害対策 (さいがいたいさく): "disaster countermeasures" — refers to plans and actions to prevent or mitigate disasters.
- 災害に備える (さいがいにそなえる): "to prepare for disasters" — emphasizes readiness.
Register and Nuance
This word is formal and neutral in tone, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese, especially in official or serious contexts. It is not used casually to describe minor troubles or personal misfortunes.
Common Learner Pitfall
Avoid confusing 災害 with 病気 (illness) or 事故 (accident). 災害 specifically refers to large-scale disasters affecting many people or areas, not individual accidents or illnesses.