Translation guide
Describes extremely hot weather or intense heat from the sun. Japanese has several vivid expressions for oppressive summer heat.
Describe extremely hot, sun-baked weather typical of summer.
Describe the sensation of strong heat radiating from a source like the sun or a fire.
Describes the sun beating down relentlessly, often with a burning sensation.
じりじりと照りつける太陽の下で待っていた。
I waited under the scorching sun.
猛暑 is the most common term for scorching heat in weather contexts. 酷暑 is stronger and often used for record-breaking heat. 炎天下 specifically refers to being directly under the sun, not just the air temperature.
Directly translating 'scorching heat' as 焦げるような暑さ is understandable but less natural than the options above. Stick to common collocations.
It's scorching hot today.
猛暑が続いています。
The scorching heat continues.
Emphasizes extreme, almost unbearable heat. Slightly more intense than 猛暑.
今年の夏は酷暑だ。
This summer is scorching hot.
Literally 'searing heat', evokes the sensation of being burned by the sun.
焼けつくような暑さの中を歩いた。
I walked in the scorching heat.
Refers to being under a blazing sun, often used for outdoor activities in extreme heat.
炎天下での作業は危険だ。
Working under the scorching sun is dangerous.
Heatwave, often used in meteorological contexts.
熱波がこの地域を襲った。
A heatwave hit this area.
Literally 'scorching heat', often used for extreme heat from sun or fire. Can sound dramatic.
灼熱の太陽が照りつける。
The scorching sun beats down.
Sunlight that feels like it's piercing the skin, emphasizing painful intensity.
肌を刺すような日差しで、日焼け止めを塗った。
The sunlight was so scorching I put on sunscreen.