Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Weather" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "weather", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
天気予報
てんきよほう (tenki yohou)
N4 / 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 天気予報 and 天候.
In Japanese, 天気予報 (てんきよほう (tenki yohou)) is typically associated with "weather forecast" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the prediction of future weather conditions. テレビやインターネットで今日の天気などを伝える情報です。.
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 "天気予報"
今日の天気予報は晴れです。
Today's weather forecast is sunny.
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 ＿＿＿ は晴れです。" (Meaning: "Today's weather forecast is sunny.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "天気予報" fits here because it means "weather forecast" in the context of: "Today's weather forecast is sunny.". "天候" represents "weather; atmospheric conditions".