Translation guide
The English word "cloud" can refer to a visible mass in the sky, a large group of something, a state of confusion, or internet-based computing. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To refer to a cloud or clouds in the sky.
The standard word for 'cloud'. Use this in almost all contexts.
空に白い雲が浮かんでいる。
White clouds are floating in the sky.
Rain clouds have appeared.
Literally 'sea of clouds', used for a view of clouds from above, like from a mountain or airplane.
We could see a sea of clouds from the mountaintop.
To describe a large, dense group of things or people, often moving.
Means 'crowd', 'flock', or 'swarm'. Used for groups of animals, people, or things. Often combined with other words.
A cloud of birds was flying.
A cloud of people gathered in the square.
A literary phrase meaning 'like clouds and haze', used to describe a vast, innumerable swarm.
The enemy army surged forward like a cloud of locusts.
To describe a mental state of confusion, sadness, or suspicion that obscures clarity.
An idiom meaning 'a cloud hangs over one's heart', used for sadness or worry.
A cloud of sadness still hangs over her heart.
Literally 'cloud of suspicion', used when doubt or distrust surrounds a situation.
Can mean 'cloudiness' in a metaphorical sense, like a cloudy expression or mood. Often used in compound words.
To refer to cloud computing or cloud storage.
The loanword 'cloud' is standard for cloud computing. Used in compounds like クラウドサービス (cloud service).
Save data to the cloud.
Demand for cloud computing is increasing.
While 雲 can be used metaphorically, directly saying 頭に雲がある (there is a cloud in my head) is not natural. Use idiomatic phrases like 頭がぼんやりする (my head feels foggy) or 心に雲がかかる for emotional clouds.
Many Japanese words use 雲 as a component, such as 雲行き (course of events, literally 'cloud movement'), 雲泥の差 (a world of difference, literally 'difference between clouds and mud'), and 星雲 (nebula). Learning these can expand your vocabulary.
A cloud of suspicion hangs over that incident.
彼の顔に曇りが見えた。
A cloud passed over his face.