Translation guide
The English word 'wind' refers to moving air. In Japanese, the most common word is 風 (kaze), but there are many specific terms for types of wind, breezes, and gusts. This guide covers natural ways to talk about wind in Japanese, from everyday conversation to poetic expressions.
Referring to wind as a natural phenomenon, the movement of air.
The standard word for 'wind'. Used in almost all contexts.
今日は風が強いですね。
The wind is strong today, isn't it?
I can hear the sound of the wind.
Describing a light, pleasant wind.
Describing a powerful, possibly damaging wind.
Strong wind. Commonly used in weather forecasts.
There will be strong winds tomorrow.
Storm wind, violent wind. Often used in warnings.
Literally 'big wind'. Less common than 強風, but used in some expressions.
Specifically a chilly or wintery wind.
Talking about where the wind comes from or how it behaves.
Using 'wind' in figurative expressions.
風 (kaze) means wind, while 風邪 (kaze) means a cold (illness). They are homophones but written with different kanji. Context usually makes it clear, but be careful in writing.
Wind is a common theme in haiku and waka. Seasonal winds have specific names, like 春風 (harukaze, spring breeze) or 秋風 (akikaze, autumn wind). Using these can add a poetic touch.
A light breeze is caressing the lake surface.
暴風警報が出ています。
A storm warning has been issued.
大風が吹いて木が倒れた。
A big wind blew and the tree fell.
木枯らしが吹き荒れる。
The wintry wind is raging.
It feels great to ride a bicycle cutting through the wind.
He's facing a lot of criticism within the company right now.