Translation guide
The English word 'sky' refers to the space above the earth. In Japanese, the most common and natural equivalent is 空 (そら). However, there are nuances: 空 is the everyday word, while 天 (てん) is used in more literary, spiritual, or compound contexts. Learners should be aware that direct translation is usually fine, but in some fixed phrases or poetic language, other words appear.
Referring to the sky in everyday conversation, weather, or scenery.
The standard, neutral word for 'sky'. Used in almost all everyday contexts.
空が青い。
The sky is blue.
I looked up at the sky.
Emphasizes the vastness of the sky, often used in poetic or descriptive language.
Birds are flying in the wide sky.
Referring to the sky in a religious, spiritual, or mythological sense, or as the abode of gods.
Understanding how 'sky' appears in common Japanese compounds and expressions.
Means 'look of the sky' or 'weather conditions'. A common phrase.
The sky looks threatening (bad weather coming).
Starry sky. Note the rendaku (voicing) from そら to ぞら.
Blue sky. Again, rendaku occurs.
Night sky.
While 天 can mean 'sky', it is not used for weather or casual descriptions. Saying 天が青い sounds unnatural; use 空が青い.
When 空 (そら) is the second element in a compound, it often becomes ぞら, e.g., 星空 (ほしぞら), 青空 (あおぞら).
The sky is clear today.
I saw a rainbow in the sky.
天空の城
castle in the sky
星空がきれいだ。
The starry sky is beautiful.
青空の下でピクニックをした。
We had a picnic under the blue sky.
Fireworks went up in the night sky.