Translation guide
The state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, including temperature, rain, wind, etc. In Japanese, the most common word is 天気 (tenki), but other words like 天候 (tenkou) and 気象 (kishou) are used in specific contexts.
Talking about the weather in everyday conversation, such as asking how the weather is or describing it.
The most common and general word for 'weather'. Used in daily conversation and covers both good and bad weather.
The weather is nice today, isn't it?
A slightly more formal word for 'weather', often used in written language or when referring to weather conditions over a period of time.
Refers to meteorological phenomena or weather in a scientific sense. Used in terms like 気象庁 (Japan Meteorological Agency).
Describing pleasant, sunny, or clear weather.
nice weather · good weather · fine weather
The most common way to say 'good weather'.
Describing unpleasant, rainy, stormy, or cloudy weather.
bad weather · terrible weather · nasty weather
The direct translation of 'bad weather'. While understandable, it's less common than using specific words like 雨 (rain) or 曇り (cloudy).
Japanese speakers often describe bad weather by naming the specific condition (e.g., 雨が降っている 'it's raining') rather than using a general 'bad weather' phrase.
Using weather as a conversation starter or small talk.
Talking about the weather is a common way to start a conversation in Japanese, similar to English. Phrases like いい天気ですね (Nice weather, isn't it?) are typical.
Referring to weather predictions or reports.
While 天気 is the general word for weather, Japanese speakers often use specific terms like 雨 (rain), 雪 (snow), 曇り (cloudy), or 風 (wind) instead of saying 'bad weather' or 'good weather'. For example, 'It's raining' is 雨が降っている, not 悪い天気です.
天気 is everyday 'weather'. 天候 is more formal and often refers to weather conditions over a period. 気象 is scientific/technical, used in meteorology.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
明日の天候が心配です。
I'm worried about tomorrow's weather.
The Meteorological Agency issued typhoon information.
It's really nice weather today.
Means 'clear sky' or 'fine weather'. Often used in weather forecasts.
It will be fine tomorrow.
Means 'clear and refreshing weather', often used in formal weather reports.
It's clear and sunny today.
The bad weather continues.
Means 'stormy weather' or 'rough weather'. Used in weather warnings.
Flights were canceled due to stormy weather.
A formal term for 'bad weather', often used in news or official announcements.
The game was held in bad weather.
The weather has been changeable lately, hasn't it?
The standard term for 'weather forecast'.
Did you see the weather forecast?