Translation guide
A wind that blows against the direction of travel, making progress difficult. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 向かい風, but other terms exist for specific contexts like sailing or figurative use.
A wind blowing directly against one's direction of movement, such as when cycling, walking, or driving.
The standard, everyday word for a headwind. Used in weather forecasts, sports, and daily conversation.
今日は向かい風が強くて、自転車が進まない。
The headwind is strong today, so I can't make progress on my bike.
向かい風の中を走るのは大変だ。
It's tough running in a headwind.
Literally 'reverse wind'. Can be used for a physical headwind, but more often carries a figurative sense of adversity. Slightly more formal or literary than 向かい風.
船は逆風を受けてなかなか進まなかった。
The ship received a headwind and made little progress.
From English 'against'. Used in sports like golf or sailing to mean 'against the wind'. Not used in everyday conversation.
このホールはアゲインストだから、クラブを一つ上げよう。
This hole is into the wind, so let's club up.
A metaphorical wind representing opposition, difficulty, or unfavorable circumstances.
The most common figurative term for 'adverse wind' in business, politics, or life. Implies strong opposition or headwinds.
その新政策は世論の逆風にさらされている。
The new policy is facing a headwind of public opinion.
会社は逆風の中でも成長を続けた。
The company continued to grow despite the headwinds.
Literally 'to receive a headwind'. Can be used figuratively to mean facing opposition or difficulty, though less common than 逆風.
彼の提案は社内で向かい風を受けた。
His proposal met with headwinds within the company.
Also used figuratively in sports or business contexts, but very niche.
今期はアゲインストが強いが、何とか乗り切りたい。
We have strong headwinds this term, but we want to pull through somehow.
A wind that is not necessarily directly opposite, but unfavorable for sailing or navigation.
In sailing, 逆風 is the standard term for an adverse wind.
逆風の中での帆走は難しい。
Sailing in an adverse wind is difficult.
Also used in sailing, but more casual.
向かい風 is the everyday word for a physical headwind. 逆風 is more common in figurative contexts (business, politics) and also used in sailing. Using 逆風 for a literal headwind is acceptable but sounds slightly formal or written.
The literal translation '悪い風' (bad wind) is not used to mean 'adverse wind'. It sounds unnatural and may be interpreted as 'unpleasant wind' or 'evil wind'.
向かい風でヨットが思うように進まない。
The yacht isn't moving as expected because of the headwind.