Translation guide
The English word "air" covers many concepts, from the atmosphere to a tune to a demeanor. This guide breaks down the most useful meanings for learners and shows how to express them naturally in Japanese.
The invisible gas surrounding the earth; the air in a room or outside.
The most common word for 'air' as a substance. Used for air in a room, fresh air, air pressure, etc.
窓を開けて空気を入れ替えましょう。
Let's open the window and let in some fresh air.
山の空気はおいしい。
The mountain air is delicious (fresh and clean).
Refers to the atmosphere of the Earth or a planet. More scientific/formal than 空気.
大気汚染が深刻な問題になっている。
Air pollution has become a serious problem.
Loanword from English, used in compound words like エアコン (air conditioner) or in brand names. Not used alone for 'air'.
エアコンの設定温度を下げてください。
Please lower the setting on the air conditioner.
The space above the ground; the sky.
The general word for 'sky'. Used for looking up, flying, weather, etc.
鳥が空を飛んでいる。
A bird is flying in the sky.
空が曇ってきた。
The sky has become cloudy.
Literally 'mid-air'. Used for something suspended or happening in the air, not the sky as a whole.
The feeling or mood of a situation, place, or group of people.
The most common word for 'atmosphere' in the sense of mood or ambiance. Can be used for rooms, parties, relationships, etc.
この店は落ち着いた雰囲気ですね。
This shop has a calm atmosphere, doesn't it?
会議の雰囲気が悪くなった。
The atmosphere of the meeting turned sour.
Also used metaphorically for the mood or 'vibe' of a social situation, especially in phrases like '空気を読む' (read the room).
Loanword from English 'mood'. Often used for a deliberately created atmosphere, like romantic mood or festive mood.
A short piece of music, especially the main tune of a song.
General word for a piece of music or a song. Can be used for any tune.
この曲を知っていますか？
Do you know this tune?
Loanword for 'melody'. Refers specifically to the main tune, distinct from harmony or rhythm.
Means 'song'. Often used when the tune is a vocal piece.
A person's outward manner or appearance, often suggesting confidence or arrogance.
General word for 'attitude' or 'demeanor'. Can be positive or negative depending on context.
彼は自信ありげな態度だった。
He had an air of confidence.
Refers to the state or appearance of someone/something. '様子を見る' means 'wait and see'.
Suffix meaning 'acting like' or 'putting on airs'. Often negative.
彼は学者気取りだ。
He puts on the air of a scholar.
Being broadcast on television or radio.
Means 'currently broadcasting'. Used for TV/radio programs.
その番組は今放送中です。
That program is on the air now.
Loanword from English 'on air'. Common in media contexts.
オンエアの時間を確認して。
Check the air time.
To expose to fresh air; to ventilate.
To hang out to dry or air out (clothes, bedding).
布団を外に干してください。
Please air the futon outside.
Literally 'let wind pass through'. Means to ventilate a room or let air circulate.
部屋の風を通してください。
Please air out the room.
Formal term for 'ventilate'. Used in instructions or technical contexts.
定期的に換気してください。
Please ventilate regularly.
One of the four classical elements (earth, water, air, fire).
In classical contexts, 'wind' is used for the element of air. Also used in modern fantasy.
四大元素は地、水、火、風です。
The four elements are earth, water, fire, and air.
Sometimes used in modern contexts, but 風 is more traditional.
空気 (くうき) is everyday 'air' in a room or outside. 大気 (たいき) is scientific 'atmosphere' of the Earth. Use 空気 for daily conversation.
空気が乾燥している。
The air is dry.
大気圏に突入する。
Enter the atmosphere.
English 'air' as in 'an air of mystery' should not be translated as 空気. Use 雰囲気 or 様子 instead. 空気 is for social mood (空気を読む) but not for personal demeanor.
This is a very common phrase meaning to sense the atmosphere and act accordingly. It's a key cultural concept. The negative form 空気が読めない (KY) is often used to describe someone clueless.
街は興奮した雰囲気に包まれている。
There's an air of excitement in the city.
ちょっと外の空気を吸いたい。
I need some fresh air.
その番組はまだ放送中です。
The program is still on the air.
ボールが空中に浮かんでいるように見えた。
The ball seemed to be floating in mid-air.
He can't read the room. (He's oblivious to the atmosphere.)
その場の空気に流されないで。
Don't get swept along by the mood of the moment.
We had dinner at a restaurant with a nice atmosphere.
その曲のメロディーが頭から離れない。
I can't get that tune out of my head.
A nostalgic tune started playing.
She had an air of sadness.
An air spirit appeared.