Translation guide
The English word 'drought' refers to a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. In Japanese, the most common and direct equivalent is 干ばつ (kanbatsu). However, depending on context, other expressions like 水不足 (water shortage) or 日照り (dry weather) may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right term.
To refer to a drought as a natural phenomenon, often in news, reports, or general conversation about weather and its impact on farming.
The standard term for drought. Used in formal and informal contexts, news, and scientific discussions.
This year's drought caused great damage to crops.
In areas where the drought continues, water conservation is being urged.
Literally 'sunny weather', but often implies a dry spell or drought, especially in agricultural or traditional contexts. Slightly more colloquial than 干ばつ.
The dry weather continued, and the water in the rice fields dried up.
Same reading as 干ばつ, but written with different kanji. This form is more literary or old-fashioned, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
In the village struck by drought, a rain-making ritual was performed.
To emphasize the lack of water for daily use, rather than the meteorological phenomenon. Common in urban contexts or when discussing supply issues.
Means 'water shortage'. Used when the focus is on insufficient water supply for households, industries, or regions. Not necessarily a natural drought; can be due to infrastructure problems.
There are concerns about water shortages this summer.
Refers to a water shortage, often in rivers or dams, leading to restrictions. Common in news about water levels.
To describe a long period without rain, often in everyday conversation, without necessarily implying severe consequences.
A natural, everyday way to say 'a drought' or 'dry spell' by describing the situation: 'days without rain continue'. Very common in casual speech.
Lately, we've had a lot of days without rain, haven't we?
Specifically refers to a dry rainy season (tsuyu) with little rain. A seasonal term for a drought-like condition in early summer.
干ばつ (kanbatsu) is a meteorological drought—lack of rain over time. 水不足 (mizubusoku) is a water shortage, which can result from drought but also from overuse or infrastructure issues. Use 干ばつ for natural phenomena; use 水不足 when the focus is on the lack of water for people.
The drought caused a water shortage.
The English loanword ドラウト (doraauto) is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to native terms like 干ばつ or 水不足.
水不足のため、プールの使用が制限された。
Due to the water shortage, the use of the pool was restricted.
渇水のため、取水制限が始まった。
Due to the water shortage, water intake restrictions have begun.
今年は空梅雨で、ダムの貯水率が低い。
This year, the rainy season was dry, so the dam's water level is low.