噴火

• Reading: ふんか
• Romaji: funka
• Kanji breakdown: 噴 (fun) — spew, erupt, spout; 火 (ka) — fire
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯɴ.ka/

Meaning

Eruption; volcanic eruption. The violent release of lava, ash, and gas from a volcano.

A noun and suru-verb specifically describing volcanic eruptions. Used as 噴火する (to erupt). Japan has over 100 active volcanoes, making this a practically important word. Common compounds include 噴火口 (funkakou, volcanic crater) and 噴火警報 (funka keihou, eruption warning). Frequently appears in disaster preparedness materials and news reports.

Examples

1. 火山が突然噴火して、住民が避難した。 The volcano erupted suddenly and residents evacuated.
2. 大規模な噴火は数百年ぶりだと言われている。 It is said that a large-scale eruption like this hasn't happened in hundreds of years.
3. 噴火の影響で航空便が欠航になった。 Flights were canceled due to the effects of the eruption.

Usage Guide

Context: geology, disaster preparedness, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 噴 (fun, spew/erupt) + 火 (ka, fire). Literally 'spewing fire' — a vivid description of a volcano ejecting molten material.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal