Translation guide
In Japanese, 'late frost' is typically expressed using specific terms that refer to frost occurring in late spring, which can damage crops. The most common and useful term is 晩霜 (ばんそう), but other related words exist for different contexts.
Referring to frost that occurs late in the season, especially in spring, often with implications for farming.
The standard term for late frost, particularly in agricultural contexts. It refers to frost that occurs in late spring, after plants have started growing.
晩霜で作物が被害を受けた。
The crops were damaged by a late frost.
Literally 'late frost', similar to 晩霜 but slightly more colloquial. Used in weather forecasts and everyday conversation.
遅霜に注意してください。
Please be careful of late frost.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'late spring frost'. More explanatory than a single word, used in formal or written contexts.
晩春の霜が農作物に影響を与えることがある。
Late spring frost can sometimes affect agricultural crops.
Describing frost that occurs unusually late, beyond the typical frost period.
Means 'unseasonal frost'. Used when frost occurs outside the normal frost season, emphasizing its unusual timing.
今年は季節外れの霜が降りた。
This year, we had an unseasonal frost.
Can also be used in meteorological contexts, but primarily agricultural.
気象台が晩霜の予報を出した。
The meteorological observatory issued a late frost forecast.
Both mean 'late frost', but 晩霜 (ばんそう) is more formal and common in agricultural or technical contexts, while 遅霜 (おそじも) is slightly more colloquial and used in daily conversation or weather reports.
The word 霜 (しも) simply means 'frost'. To specify 'late frost', you need a modifier like 晩 (late) or 遅い (late). However, 晩霜 and 遅霜 are the most natural single-word options.