溶岩

• Reading: ようがん
• Romaji: yougan
• Kanji breakdown: 溶 (you) — melt, dissolve; 岩 (gan) — rock, cliff
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɯ.gaɴ/

Meaning

Lava. Molten rock that flows from a volcano during an eruption.

A noun referring to both molten rock (magma that has reached the surface) and solidified volcanic rock. Commonly encountered in geography, science, and travel contexts — especially when discussing Japanese volcanoes like 富士山 or 桜島. Also appears in compound words like 溶岩流 (lava flow) and 溶岩台地 (lava plateau).

Examples

1. 火山から溶岩が流れ出した。 Lava poured out of the volcano.
2. 溶岩が冷えて固まると独特な地形になる。 When lava cools and hardens, it creates a unique landscape.
3. この島は溶岩でできた岩場が多い。 This island has many rocky areas made of hardened lava.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, science, volcanoes, travel

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 溶 (you, to melt/dissolve) + 岩 (gan, rock). Literally 'melted rock' — a direct and descriptive name for lava.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal