Translation guide
In Japanese, 'bad weather' is commonly expressed with the word 悪天候 (akutenkou) in formal or written contexts, while in casual speech people often use descriptive phrases like 天気が悪い (tenki ga warui) or ひどい天気 (hidoi tenki). The choice depends on formality and whether you're describing current conditions or referring to weather in general.
To refer to bad weather in a general, often formal or written context, such as news reports, announcements, or polite conversation.
The standard term for 'bad weather' in formal and written Japanese. It is commonly used in forecasts, warnings, and official contexts.
The game was canceled due to bad weather.
Bad weather continues.
Refers to stormy or rough weather, often used in marine or aviation contexts. More specific than 悪天候.
The ship cannot depart due to stormy weather.
To comment on the current weather being bad in everyday conversation.
The most natural way to say 'the weather is bad' in casual speech. It can refer to rain, wind, or general unpleasant conditions.
The weather is bad today, isn't it?
Since the weather is bad, let's stay home.
Emphasizes that the weather is terrible or severe. Often used when it's stormy or extremely unpleasant.
What terrible weather!
A slightly more formal version of 天気が悪い, using 天候 (weather conditions). Less common in casual chat.
To state that something happens or is affected because of bad weather.
To refer to specific bad weather conditions like rain, storm, or typhoon, which are often more natural than a generic 'bad weather'.
In Japanese, it's often more natural to name the specific weather (e.g., 雨, 嵐, 台風) rather than using a generic 'bad weather' term. This is especially true in casual conversation.
It's raining. (Instead of 'The weather is bad.')
A typhoon is approaching. (Instead of 'Bad weather is coming.')
天気 (tenki) refers to the weather at a specific time and place, often used in daily conversation. 天候 (tenkou) refers to weather conditions over a period or in a broader sense, and is more formal. 悪天候 is a compound using 天候, so it sounds formal. In casual speech, 天気が悪い is preferred.
Directly translating 'bad weather' as 悪い天気 (warui tenki) is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. Use 天気が悪い or 悪天候 instead.
Please refrain from going out due to the bad weather.
I'll skip the walk because the weather is bad.