drought; long dry spell
Refers to a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water shortage. Used in weather reports, agriculture, and general contexts.
This year's drought caused serious damage to the crops.
Water conservation is being urged as a measure against the drought.
Most common spelling in modern Japanese. Uses 干 (dry) with kana ばつ.
Traditional kanji spelling using 旱 (drought) and 魃 (drought demon). Rare and literary.
Mixed kanji spelling. Rare and literary.
Compound of 干 (kan, 'dry') and 魃 (batsu, 'drought demon' or 'drought'). The kanji 魃 is rare and often replaced by kana ばつ in modern usage.