tsunami
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tsunami
A huge, destructive ocean wave that is usually triggered by an undersea earthquake or a volcanic eruption on the ocean floor.
Nach dem Erdbeben warnte die Regierung die Küstenbewohner vor einem drohenden Tsunami.
After the earthquake, the government warned coastal residents of an impending tsunami.
tsunami
In a figurative sense, a huge, overwhelming wave or flood of something, often with a negative connotation.
Nach der Ankündigung der Preiserhöhung gab es einen Tsunami an Beschwerden von den Kunden.
After the announcement of the price increase, there was a tsunami of complaints from customers.
'Tsunami' is a loanword from Japanese (津波), where it means 'harbor wave'. This explains the spelling and pronunciation, which are unusual for German.
Das Wort Tsunami ist heute international verständlich.
The word tsunami is now understood internationally.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that 'Tsunami' (tsunami) is combined with abstract nouns. The literal meaning appears in the context of 'Erdbeben' (earthquake), 'Meer' (sea), or 'Küste' (coast).
Nach dem Skandal gab es einen Tsunami der Empörung in den Medien.
After the scandal, there was a tsunami of outrage in the media.
In connection with a real tsunami, verbs such as 'auslösen' (to trigger), 'warnen' (to warn), 'treffen' (to hit), or 'erreichen' (to reach) are often used.
Ein starkes Seebeben kann einen Tsunami auslösen.
A strong undersea earthquake can trigger a tsunami.
In the figurative meaning, the preposition 'an' with the dative or a genitive construction is often used: 'ein Tsunami an Beschwerden' (a tsunami of complaints) or 'ein Tsunami der Kritik' (a tsunami of criticism).
Die Firma erhielt nach der Produktänderung einen Tsunami an wütenden E-Mails.
After the product change, the company received a tsunami of angry emails.
wave
In a figurative sense, Welle and Tsunami can both describe a large amount of something that appears suddenly. Welle is broader and can also describe a less extreme development. Tsunami sounds considerably stronger and emphasizes that the amount is huge, overwhelming, and often negative.
Nach dem schweren Skandal traf das Unternehmen ein Tsunami der Kritik.
The company was hit by a tsunami of criticism after the serious scandal.
Nach der umstrittenen Entscheidung entstand eine Welle der Kritik.
The controversial decision triggered a wave of criticism.
