Translation guide
A sandstorm is a strong wind that carries sand, common in deserts. In Japanese, the most common word is 砂嵐 (すなあらし), but there are other terms depending on context, such as 砂塵嵐 (さじんあらし) for a dust storm and 黄砂 (こうさ) for the seasonal Asian dust phenomenon.
A strong wind carrying sand, typically in a desert or arid area.
The standard word for a sandstorm. Literally 'sand storm'. Used in weather reports and everyday conversation.
We encountered a sandstorm in the desert.
Visibility worsened because of the sandstorm.
Literally 'sand-dust storm'. Often used for dust storms or when emphasizing fine particles. More common in written or technical contexts.
A dust storm covered the town.
The seasonal yellow sand that blows from deserts in China and Mongolia to East Asia, often in spring.
Refers specifically to the seasonal Asian dust. It is a well-known weather phenomenon in Japan, often reported in news. Not exactly a 'storm' but a widespread dust event.
The forecast says there will be yellow sand tomorrow.
Used figuratively or in fantasy/sci-fi contexts, e.g., a magical sandstorm or a chaotic situation.
砂嵐 (すなあらし) is the general term for a sandstorm. 砂塵嵐 (さじんあらし) emphasizes fine dust and is more technical. 黄砂 (こうさ) is a specific seasonal phenomenon of yellow sand from Asia, not a storm in the traditional sense but often translated as 'sandstorm' in English contexts.
In English, 'sandstorm' and 'dust storm' are sometimes used interchangeably, but in Japanese, 砂嵐 implies sand particles, while 砂塵嵐 or 塵嵐 (ちりあらし) may be used for dust storms. For a haboob (a type of intense dust storm), you might need to explain it or use 砂塵嵐.
The sky turned yellow due to the Asian dust.
The storm of sand swallowed everything.