Meaning and Usage
The word "災難" (さいなん) refers to a serious misfortune or calamity, often involving natural disasters or unexpected tragic events. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe events that cause significant harm or distress.
Common Contexts
"災難" is frequently used when talking about natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or accidents. It can also describe personal misfortunes or hardships.
Collocations and Patterns
- 災難に遭う (さいなんにあう): to encounter a disaster or misfortune.
- 災難をもたらす: to bring about a calamity.
- 災難が起きる: a disaster occurs.
These phrases help express the occurrence or experience of misfortune clearly.
Register and Nuance
"災難" is neutral in formality and can be used in news reports, conversations, and written texts. It conveys a serious tone but is not overly formal.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "災難" with "事故" (じこ, accident). While "事故" refers specifically to accidents, "災難" has a broader meaning including natural disasters and general misfortunes. Use "災難" when emphasizing the severity or tragic nature of the event.