Translation guide
The English word "storm" covers a range of severe weather events and metaphorical uses. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 嵐 (あらし), but specific types of storms have distinct terms. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on context.
A general storm with strong winds and heavy rain, often used for typhoons or intense low-pressure systems.
The most common and general word for a storm, implying strong winds and rain. Can be used for both literal and metaphorical storms.
A tree fell down in last night's storm.
A storm is approaching.
Literally 'violent wind and rain', a more technical or formal term for a rainstorm with strong winds. Often used in weather reports.
A storm warning was issued.
Refers to stormy or rough weather in general, often used in maritime or aviation contexts.
The ship couldn't depart due to stormy weather.
A tropical cyclone, specifically a typhoon in the Pacific region.
The standard word for a typhoon. Note that 'hurricane' is usually translated as ハリケーン, but for storms in East Asia, 台風 is correct.
The typhoon made landfall.
A storm with thunder and lightning.
A storm with heavy snow and strong winds.
A storm with strong winds carrying dust or sand.
Literally 'sand storm', used for both sandstorms and dust storms.
We encountered a sandstorm in the desert.
A figurative storm, such as a political scandal, emotional upheaval, or a flurry of activity.
Just like in English, 嵐 can be used metaphorically for a tumultuous situation or intense emotion.
That remark caused a huge storm in the media.
My heart was like a storm.
A pattern meaning 'a storm of ~', used for a sudden burst of something, like applause or criticism.
The verb 'to storm' meaning to attack a place or to move angrily.
Means 'to attack' or 'to raid', used for storming a building or location.
The mob stormed the palace.
Literally 'to fly out in anger', used when someone storms out of a room.
Means 'to rush into', used for storming into a place forcefully.
The police stormed the building.
To survive a difficult situation.
The loanword ストーム is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may appear in product names or as slang for 'storming' into a place, but for weather, always use native Japanese words like 嵐 or 台風.
嵐 is a general storm, while 台風 specifically refers to a typhoon (tropical cyclone). In English, 'storm' can sometimes mean typhoon, but in Japanese, use 台風 for that specific weather phenomenon.
The storm caused a power outage.
A storm is coming.
They predicted a storm for tomorrow.
School was canceled because of the typhoon.
Thunder roared and heavy rain started falling.
A blizzard warning is in effect.
When his performance ended, a storm of applause erupted.
He stormed out of the room.
He has weathered many storms.