Ripples or ring-like patterns on the surface of water; metaphorically used for effects that spread outward.
投げた石の波紋が湖面に広がっていった。
The ripples from the thrown stone spread across the lake surface.
静かな池に小さな波紋がいくつもできた。
Many small ripples formed on the calm pond.
風がやんで、波紋は徐々に消えた。
The wind died down and the ripples gradually disappeared.
Repercussions or fallout that an event or remark causes among others; used in phrases like 'ripples spread' after a scandal.
不正発覚のニュースは業界に波紋を広げた。
The news of the fraud spread repercussions through the industry.
その発言は社内に少なからぬ波紋を呼んだ。
That remark caused considerable ripples within the company.
法改正は地域経済に波紋を投げかけた。
The legal revision sent ripples through the local economy.
A Japanese slit drum-like instrument made of iron with slits on top; produces a rippling sound (used in music).
伝統音楽の合奏で波紋が独特の余韻を加えた。
In the traditional ensemble, the hamon added a distinctive resonance.
彼は民族楽器として波紋の演奏法を研究している。
He is researching playing techniques of the hamon as a folk instrument.