Translation guide
A wind that helps you move forward or makes conditions easier, often used literally in sailing or metaphorically for advantageous circumstances.
To describe a wind blowing in the direction you want to go, especially in sailing or outdoor activities.
To express that conditions are favorable, like having the wind at your back, often in business, career, or life.
追い風 is the everyday word for both literal and metaphorical tailwinds. 順風 is more literary and often appears in the idiom 順風満帆. For most situations, 追い風 is the best choice.
The most common and natural word for a tailwind or favorable wind, used in sailing, cycling, running, etc.
There was a tailwind today, so cycling was easy.
The ship sailed with a favorable wind.
Literally 'favorable wind', often used in the set phrase 順風満帆 (smooth sailing). Slightly more literary than 追い風.
Blessed with favorable winds, the voyage went smoothly.
Also used metaphorically for a favorable trend or support that helps you succeed. Very common in news and business contexts.
The new policy is a tailwind for the industry.
The wind is at his back in his career.
A four-character idiom meaning 'smooth sailing with a full sail', used for things going perfectly according to plan.
The project is going smoothly (like a ship with a favorable wind).
Literally 'the wind direction is good', used to mean the situation or public opinion is favorable.
The wind is favorable now, so let's make the proposal.