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.
Standard term for severe heat or heatwave, often used in weather forecasts and news.
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.
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.
今日は猛暑だ。
It's scorching hot today.
The scorching heat continues.
Emphasizes extreme, almost unbearable heat. Slightly more intense than 猛暑.
This summer is scorching hot.
Literally 'searing heat', evokes the sensation of being burned by the sun.
I walked in the scorching heat.
Refers to being under a blazing sun, often used for outdoor activities in extreme heat.
Working under the scorching sun is dangerous.
Heatwave, often used in meteorological contexts.
A heatwave hit this area.
I waited under the scorching sun.
Literally 'scorching heat', often used for extreme heat from sun or fire. Can sound dramatic.
The scorching sun beats down.
Sunlight that feels like it's piercing the skin, emphasizing painful intensity.
The sunlight was so scorching I put on sunscreen.