Translation guide
Describes weather that changes unpredictably, often from one extreme to another. Japanese has several common expressions, ranging from poetic to everyday.
In spring, changeable weather continues.
Literally 'unstable weather'. Emphasizes lack of stability, often used in weather forecasts.
Tomorrow's weather will be unstable.
Personifies the weather as 'whimsical' or 'moody'. Slightly more literary or expressive than 変わりやすい.
The mountain weather is fickle.
The weather alternates rapidly between contrasting conditions, like sudden showers followed by clear skies.
Specifically describes on-and-off rain. Very common in daily conversation.
The weather is off-and-on rain today, isn't it?
Describes alternating sun and clouds. Useful when the sky changes frequently.
To express the idea of fickle weather in a more evocative, traditional, or literary way.
A proverb meaning 'a woman's heart and the autumn sky' — both are changeable. Used to comment on fickle weather or people. Somewhat old-fashioned and potentially sexist, so use with caution.
This proverb can be seen as sexist. Avoid using it in formal or mixed company unless you are sure it will be taken as a lighthearted, old-fashioned saying.
As the saying goes, 'a woman's heart and the autumn sky,' today's weather is changeable.
Literally 'flower cloudiness'. Refers to the overcast, changeable weather typical of cherry blossom season. Very seasonal and poetic.
変わりやすい is the most neutral and common for 'changeable'. 不安定 implies instability and is often used in forecasts. 気まぐれ personifies the weather as whimsical, adding a literary touch.
The English word 'fickle' applied to weather is not directly translatable as a single adjective. Phrases like 気まぐれな天気 capture the sense, but using 変わりやすい天気 is safer and more natural in most contexts.
The weather was alternating between sunny and cloudy all day.
花曇りの空の下、お花見を楽しんだ。
We enjoyed cherry blossom viewing under the hazy, changeable spring sky.