Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Weather" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "weather", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
天気
てんき (tenki)
N5 / 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 天気 and からっと.
In Japanese, 天気 (てんき (tenki)) is typically associated with "weather" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Commonly used to ask or talk about the state of the weather..
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 "天気"
今日の天気はとてもいいです。
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: "天気" fits here because it means "weather" 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".