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
天候
てんこう (tenkou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "weather" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 天気 and 天候.
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, 天候 (てんこう (tenkou)) maps to "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. 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 "天候"
今日の天候はとてもいいです。
Today's weather is very 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.". "天候" represents "weather; atmospheric conditions".