Translation guide
A dust storm is a strong wind that carries dust and sand, reducing visibility. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 砂嵐 (sunaarashi), but other terms exist depending on the region and scale.
A strong wind carrying dust and sand, often in arid regions.
The standard term for a dust storm or sandstorm. Used in weather reports and everyday conversation.
砂嵐で視界が悪くなった。
Visibility worsened due to the dust storm.
Refers specifically to the yellow sand phenomenon from East Asian deserts, often affecting Japan in spring. It is a type of dust storm but more about airborne particles than strong winds.
今日は黄砂がひどいですね。
The yellow sand is really bad today, isn't it?
Literally 'dust storm', but less common than 砂嵐. May appear in literature or technical contexts.
塵嵐が村を襲った。
A dust storm hit the village.
A massive, wall-like dust storm common in arid regions like the Sahara or Middle East.
Borrowed from Arabic, used in meteorological contexts for a haboob. Recognized by Japanese weather enthusiasts.
ハブーブが近づいている。
A haboob is approaching.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'large-scale sandstorm'. Useful when the term haboob is not known.
中東では大規模な砂嵐が発生した。
A large-scale dust storm occurred in the Middle East.
砂嵐 (sunaarashi) is a general dust storm with strong winds. 黄砂 (kousa) is the yellow sand phenomenon that often blankets East Asia in spring, reducing visibility but not necessarily involving strong local winds. Use 黄砂 when talking about the seasonal haze from China.