Translation guide
A wind blowing directly against the direction of travel. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 向かい風, but related terms exist for sailing contexts and metaphorical use.
Describe a wind that blows directly against one's direction of movement, such as when cycling, walking, or driving.
The standard, everyday word for a headwind. Used in weather reports, sports, and daily conversation.
今日は向かい風が強くて、自転車が進まない。
The headwind is so strong today that I can't make progress on my bike.
向かい風の中を走るのは大変だ。
It's tough running into a headwind.
Literally 'opposite wind'. Often used in metaphorical contexts (adversity), but can also refer to a physical headwind, especially in sailing or aviation.
船は逆風を受けて速度が落ちた。
The ship slowed down due to the headwind.
From English 'against'. Used in golf and sometimes other sports to mean 'into the wind'.
このホールはアゲインストだから、クラブを一つ上げよう。
This hole is into the wind, so let's club up.
Specifically in sailing, a wind coming from the direction the boat is pointing, making forward progress difficult.
Also used in sailing contexts as the general term for a headwind.
向かい風だとタッキングが必要だ。
When there's a headwind, you need to tack.
Common in nautical contexts, often appearing in weather forecasts for marine areas.
Use 'headwind' figuratively to describe resistance, challenges, or unfavorable conditions in business, politics, or life.
The primary metaphorical term for headwinds as adversity. Widely used in news and business.
その新政策は世論の逆風にさらされている。
The new policy is facing headwinds from public opinion.
経済の逆風にもかかわらず、会社は成長した。
Despite economic headwinds, the company grew.
Can be used metaphorically, but less common than 逆風. It carries a slightly more personal, struggle-oriented nuance.
向かい風 is the everyday word for a physical headwind. 逆風 is more formal and is the default for metaphorical headwinds (adversity). In sailing, both are used, but 逆風 appears more in technical forecasts.
サイクリング中に向かい風がつらかった。
The headwind was tough during cycling.
その企業は規制の逆風と戦っている。
The company is battling regulatory headwinds.
沿岸海域では逆風が予想されます。
Headwinds are expected in coastal waters.
人生の向かい風に負けないで。
Don't give in to life's headwinds.