Translation guide
The English word "cloud" can refer to a visible mass in the sky, a large group of something, a state of confusion, or internet-based computing. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To refer to a cloud or clouds in the sky.
The standard word for 'cloud'. Use this in almost all contexts.
空に白い雲が浮かんでいる。
White clouds are floating in the sky.
雨雲が出てきた。
Rain clouds have appeared.
Literally 'sea of clouds', used for a view of clouds from above, like from a mountain or airplane.
山頂から雲海が見えた。
We could see a sea of clouds from the mountaintop.
To describe a large, dense group of things or people, often moving.
Means 'crowd', 'flock', or 'swarm'. Used for groups of animals, people, or things. Often combined with other words.
鳥の群れが飛んでいた。
A cloud of birds was flying.
人々の群れが広場に集まった。
A cloud of people gathered in the square.
A literary phrase meaning 'like clouds and haze', used to describe a vast, innumerable swarm.
敵軍が雲霞のごとく押し寄せた。
The enemy army surged forward like a cloud of locusts.
To describe a mental state of confusion, sadness, or suspicion that obscures clarity.
An idiom meaning 'a cloud hangs over one's heart', used for sadness or worry.
彼女の心にはまだ悲しみの雲がかかっている。
A cloud of sadness still hangs over her heart.
Literally 'cloud of suspicion', used when doubt or distrust surrounds a situation.
その事件には疑いの雲が漂っている。
A cloud of suspicion hangs over that incident.
Can mean 'cloudiness' in a metaphorical sense, like a cloudy expression or mood. Often used in compound words.
To refer to cloud computing or cloud storage.
The loanword 'cloud' is standard for cloud computing. Used in compounds like クラウドサービス (cloud service).
データをクラウドに保存する。
Save data to the cloud.
クラウドコンピューティングの需要が高まっている。
Demand for cloud computing is increasing.
While 雲 can be used metaphorically, directly saying 頭に雲がある (there is a cloud in my head) is not natural. Use idiomatic phrases like 頭がぼんやりする (my head feels foggy) or 心に雲がかかる for emotional clouds.
Many Japanese words use 雲 as a component, such as 雲行き (course of events, literally 'cloud movement'), 雲泥の差 (a world of difference, literally 'difference between clouds and mud'), and 星雲 (nebula). Learning these can expand your vocabulary.
彼の顔に曇りが見えた。
A cloud passed over his face.