Japanese meaning of 驚天動地
Reading:
きょうてんどうち (kyouten douchi)
English Translation:
Shocking enough to shake heaven and earth
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
An event so shocking it shakes heaven and earth.
Cultural Context:
Used in news headlines or dramatic speech to convey great impact.
天地を揺るがすほどの衝撃的な出来事。
ニュース見出しや演説で大きな衝撃を表現する際に使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase often modifying nouns with “の” to describe extremely shocking or world-changing events.
Trap for English Speakers
May be overused for trivial matters, weakening its intended meaning of enormous impact.
Example
Basic Example
その発表は驚天動地のニュースだった。
The announcement was shocking enough to shake heaven and earth.
Applied Example
そのニュースは、まさに驚天動地の大事件として世界中を駆け巡った。
The news spread across the globe as a truly shocking event that shook heaven and earth.