波紋を呼ぶ

• Reading: はもんをよぶ
• Romaji: hamon wo yobu
• Kanji breakdown: 波 (ha/nami) — wave; 紋 (mon) — pattern, crest; 呼 (yo/ko) — call, invite
• Pronunciation: /ha.moɴ.o.jo.bɯ/

Meaning

To cause a stir; to have repercussions; to generate controversy or widespread reaction.

An idiomatic expression combining 波紋 (ripples) with 呼ぶ (to call/invite). Group 1 (godan) conjugation via 呼ぶ. A staple of news reporting, used when a statement or event triggers a chain of reactions in society.

Examples

1. 大臣の発言が大きな波紋を呼んだ。 The minister's remarks caused a huge stir.
2. その政策変更は業界に波紋を呼んでいる。 That policy change is sending ripples through the industry.
3. 突然の人事異動が社内で波紋を呼ぶことになった。 The sudden personnel changes ended up causing a stir within the company.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, social issues

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Metaphor from a stone dropped into water, creating spreading ripples (波紋). The image perfectly captures how a single event can trigger widening circles of reaction.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal