Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Weather" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "weather", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
天候
てんこう (tenkou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
からっと
からっと (karatto)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "weather" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 天候 and からっと.
In Japanese, 天候 (てんこう (tenkou)) is typically associated with "weather; atmospheric conditions" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to general weather conditions over a period. Often used in formal contexts or news. Similar to 天気.
On the other hand, からっと (からっと (karatto)) maps to "1. (of weather) clear and dry; 2. (of food) crispy; 3. (of personality) cheerful, straightforward" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An onomatopoeia describing a state of being dry, crisp, or a personality that is cheerful and open, without lingering negativity.. A literal translation of "weather" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "天候"
今日の天候はとてもいいです。
Today's weather is very good.
Bilingual Context for "からっと"
洗濯物がからっと乾いたので、気持ちがいい。
The laundry dried completely, so it feels good.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日の ＿＿＿ はとてもいいです。" (Meaning: "Today's weather is very good.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "天候" fits here because it means "weather; atmospheric conditions" in the context of: "Today's weather is very good.". "からっと" represents "1. (of weather) clear and dry; 2. (of food) crispy; 3. (of personality) cheerful, straightforward".