Translation guide
A wind that helps you move forward or makes conditions easier, often used literally in sailing or metaphorically for advantageous circumstances.
To describe a wind blowing in the direction you want to go, especially in sailing or outdoor activities.
The most common and natural word for a tailwind or favorable wind, used in sailing, cycling, running, etc.
To express that conditions are favorable, like having the wind at your back, often in business, career, or life.
追い風 is the everyday word for both literal and metaphorical tailwinds. 順風 is more literary and often appears in the idiom 順風満帆. For most situations, 追い風 is the best choice.
今日は追い風で、自転車が楽だった。
There was a tailwind today, so cycling was easy.
船は追い風を受けて進んだ。
The ship sailed with a favorable wind.
Literally 'favorable wind', often used in the set phrase 順風満帆 (smooth sailing). Slightly more literary than 追い風.
順風に恵まれて、航海は順調だった。
Blessed with favorable winds, the voyage went smoothly.
Also used metaphorically for a favorable trend or support that helps you succeed. Very common in news and business contexts.
新しい政策が業界の追い風になっている。
The new policy is a tailwind for the industry.
彼のキャリアには追い風が吹いている。
The wind is at his back in his career.
A four-character idiom meaning 'smooth sailing with a full sail', used for things going perfectly according to plan.
プロジェクトは順風満帆に進んでいる。
The project is going smoothly (like a ship with a favorable wind).
Literally 'the wind direction is good', used to mean the situation or public opinion is favorable.
今は風向きがいいから、提案してみよう。
The wind is favorable now, so let's make the proposal.