Translation guide
In Japanese, 'bad weather' is commonly expressed with the word 悪天候 (akutenkou) in formal or written contexts, while in casual speech people often use descriptive phrases like 天気が悪い (tenki ga warui) or ひどい天気 (hidoi tenki). The choice depends on formality and whether you're describing current conditions or referring to weather in general.
To refer to bad weather in a general, often formal or written context, such as news reports, announcements, or polite conversation.
The standard term for 'bad weather' in formal and written Japanese. It is commonly used in forecasts, warnings, and official contexts.
悪天候のため、試合は中止になりました。
The game was canceled due to bad weather.
悪天候が続いています。
Bad weather continues.
Refers to stormy or rough weather, often used in marine or aviation contexts. More specific than 悪天候.
荒天のため、船が出港できません。
The ship cannot depart due to stormy weather.
To comment on the current weather being bad in everyday conversation.
The most natural way to say 'the weather is bad' in casual speech. It can refer to rain, wind, or general unpleasant conditions.
今日は天気が悪いね。
The weather is bad today, isn't it?
天気が悪いから、家にいよう。
Since the weather is bad, let's stay home.
Emphasizes that the weather is terrible or severe. Often used when it's stormy or extremely unpleasant.
ひどい天気だね。
What terrible weather!
A slightly more formal version of 天気が悪い, using 天候 (weather conditions). Less common in casual chat.
天候が悪いので、外出は控えてください。
Please refrain from going out due to the bad weather.
To state that something happens or is affected because of bad weather.
A common pattern meaning 'due to bad weather'. Used in announcements and formal writing.
悪天候のため、飛行機が遅れています。
The flight is delayed due to bad weather.
Casual way to say 'because the weather is bad'. Used in everyday speech.
天気が悪いので、散歩はやめます。
I'll skip the walk because the weather is bad.
To refer to specific bad weather conditions like rain, storm, or typhoon, which are often more natural than a generic 'bad weather'.
In Japanese, it's often more natural to name the specific weather (e.g., 雨, 嵐, 台風) rather than using a generic 'bad weather' term. This is especially true in casual conversation.
雨が降っている。
It's raining. (Instead of 'The weather is bad.')
台風が近づいている。
A typhoon is approaching. (Instead of 'Bad weather is coming.')
天気 (tenki) refers to the weather at a specific time and place, often used in daily conversation. 天候 (tenkou) refers to weather conditions over a period or in a broader sense, and is more formal. 悪天候 is a compound using 天候, so it sounds formal. In casual speech, 天気が悪い is preferred.
Directly translating 'bad weather' as 悪い天気 (warui tenki) is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. Use 天気が悪い or 悪天候 instead.