火山

• Reading: かざん
• Romaji: kazan
• Kanji breakdown: 火 (ka/hi) — fire; 山 (zan/san/yama) — mountain
• Pronunciation: /ka.za.n/

Meaning

Volcano. A mountain or hill with a crater through which lava and gases erupt.

Japan is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world, with over 100 active volcanoes. Can also function as a no-adjective (火山の) to describe volcanic features. Appears frequently in news, geography, and disaster preparedness discussions.

Examples

1. 日本には活火山がたくさんある。 Japan has many active volcanoes.
2. 火山の噴火で町が灰に覆われた。 The town was covered in ash from the volcanic eruption.
3. 温泉は火山の活動によって生まれる。 Hot springs are created by volcanic activity.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, disaster prevention, nature

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 火 (ka, fire) and 山 (zan/san, mountain). Literally 'fire mountain,' a vivid description of a mountain that erupts with fire and lava.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal