Whether you’re planning a trip, engaging in small talk, or just trying to understand the day’s weather forecast, knowing how to talk about the weather is an essential part of learning a new language. This holds true for Japanese as well. In this post, we’ll look at some important Japanese weather words that can help you describe the elements.
#1. 天気 (Tenki)
This word means “weather.” It’s the term you’ll often hear in weather forecasts and everyday conversations about the weather.
#2. 晴れ (Hare)
This term translates to “clear” or “sunny.” Use this word when describing a day with clear skies and plenty of sunshine.
#3. 雨 (Ame)
This word means “rain.” You’ll use this term when discussing rainy weather.
#4. 雪 (Yuki)
This word translates to “snow.” You’d use this term during winter months when snow is falling or expected.
#5. 曇り (Kumori)
This word means “cloudy.” It describes a sky covered with clouds, but without any rain or snow.
Here’s how you can use these words in various contexts:
Discussing Today’s Weather
In a conversation about the day’s weather, you might say:
今日は晴れですね。 (Kyou wa hare desu ne.) This means, “It’s sunny today, isn’t it?”
Predicting Tomorrow’s Weather
If you’re predicting the weather for the next day, you might say:
明日は雨が降りそうです。 (Ashita wa ame ga furisou desu.) This translates to “It looks like it will rain tomorrow.”
Just as you would express feelings like “I’m cold,” “I’m hungry,” or “Can you speak English,” being able to talk about the weather in Japanese is an important part of your language journey. Not only can it assist you in planning your day, but it can also help you connect with others through a universally shared topic – the weather.
So, the next time you find yourself in a conversation about the weather or need to understand a weather forecast, remember these words. By using “Tenki,” “Hare,” “Ame,” “Yuki,” or “Kumori,” you can express yourself clearly and accurately describe the weather.