噴火

ふんか

eruption

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"噴火" (ふんか) specifically refers to the eruption of a volcano, where magma, ash, and gases are expelled from the earth. It is a noun commonly used in news reports, scientific contexts, and disaster warnings.

Common Collocations

  • 噴火する (to erupt): the verb form used to describe the action of a volcano erupting.
  • 噴火警戒レベル (eruption alert level): official warning levels indicating volcanic activity.
  • 火山噴火 (volcanic eruption): a compound emphasizing the volcanic origin.

Register and Usage Notes

This term is formal and often appears in written or formal spoken Japanese, such as news broadcasts or official announcements. It is not used metaphorically but strictly for volcanic eruptions.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 噴火 with 火事 (fire) or 爆発 (explosion). Remember 噴火 is only for volcanic eruptions, not general fires or explosions.

Example Sentences

ふじさんがふんかしたら、しゅうへんのじゅうみんはひなんしなければならない。

If Mount Fuji erupts, the residents in the surrounding area must evacuate.

かざんのふんかによってたいりょうのかざんばいがそらをおおった。

A large amount of volcanic ash covered the sky due to the volcanic eruption.

ふんかけいかいレベルがひきあげられたため、とざんはきんしされた。

Because the eruption alert level was raised, climbing was prohibited.