Translation guide
A high-altitude cloud type composed of small white patches or ripples, often arranged in patterns. In Japanese, it is primarily a technical meteorological term.
The scientific name for the cloud type, used in weather reports, textbooks, and formal contexts.
The standard Japanese term for cirrocumulus clouds, used in meteorology and formal writing.
今日の空には巻積雲が広がっている。
Cirrocumulus clouds are spreading across the sky today.
A common, more poetic name meaning 'scale cloud,' referring to the fish-scale-like pattern. Often used in everyday conversation and literature.
Another common name meaning 'sardine cloud,' similar to うろこ雲 but often used when the clouds resemble a school of sardines. Slightly more colloquial.
A less common variant meaning 'mackerel cloud,' used regionally or in specific contexts. Similar to いわし雲 but less frequent.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use the technical term 巻積雲. Instead, they use descriptive names like うろこ雲 (scale cloud) or いわし雲 (sardine cloud), which are more vivid and widely understood.
うろこ雲が出ているから、明日は雨かもしれない。
Since there are cirrocumulus clouds, it might rain tomorrow.
秋の空にいわし雲が浮かんでいる。
Cirrocumulus clouds are floating in the autumn sky.
When mackerel clouds appear, fishermen predict weather changes.