Translation guide
A period of unusually hot weather. Japanese has several common expressions, from casual to formal, and often uses specific meteorological terms in news reports.
To describe a stretch of very hot days in everyday conversation.
The most common word for intense summer heat or a heat wave. Used in weather forecasts and daily speech.
We're having a heat wave this summer.
Specifically a day when the maximum temperature reaches 35°C or higher. Often used in weather reports.
Tomorrow will be another extremely hot day.
Severe heat; slightly more intense or formal than 猛暑. Common in news and writing.
Severe heat is covering the Japanese archipelago.
Direct translation of 'heat wave', used in meteorological contexts or news, but less common in daily conversation.
In Europe, heat waves are causing wildfires.
To talk about a heat wave in informal, everyday language.
To refer to a heat wave in news reports, official statements, or formal writing.
猛暑 is the standard word for intense summer heat. 酷暑 is slightly stronger and more formal. 熱波 is a direct translation of 'heat wave' but is mainly used in scientific or international news contexts.
猛暑日 specifically means a day with a high of 35°C or above. It's a defined meteorological term, so use it when referring to such days rather than a general hot period.
A heat wave is expected next week.
The heat wave caused many health problems.
With this heat wave day after day, I can't live without the AC.
Abnormally high temperatures; used in meteorological reports.
Abnormally high temperatures are expected to continue for over a week.