Translation guide
A period of unusually hot weather. Japanese has several common expressions, from casual to formal, and often uses specific meteorological terms in news reports.
To describe a stretch of very hot days in everyday conversation.
The most common word for intense summer heat or a heat wave. Used in weather forecasts and daily speech.
今年の夏は猛暑が続いています。
We're having a heat wave this summer.
Specifically a day when the maximum temperature reaches 35°C or higher. Often used in weather reports.
明日も猛暑日になるでしょう。
Tomorrow will be another extremely hot day.
Severe heat; slightly more intense or formal than 猛暑. Common in news and writing.
酷暑が日本列島を覆っています。
Severe heat is covering the Japanese archipelago.
Direct translation of 'heat wave', used in meteorological contexts or news, but less common in daily conversation.
ヨーロッパでは熱波の影響で山火事が発生しています。
In Europe, heat waves are causing wildfires.
To talk about a heat wave in informal, everyday language.
Literally 'the heat continues', a natural way to describe a heat wave without using a specific noun.
この暑さが続くと体調を崩しそう。
If this heat wave continues, I'm going to get sick.
Day after day of intense heat; emphasizes the duration.
連日の猛暑でエアコンが手放せない。
With this heat wave day after day, I can't live without the AC.
To refer to a heat wave in news reports, official statements, or formal writing.
Record-breaking heat wave; common in news headlines.
記録的猛暑で熱中症患者が急増しています。
The record-breaking heat wave has caused a surge in heatstroke patients.
Abnormally high temperatures; used in meteorological reports.
異常高温が一週間以上続く見込みです。
Abnormally high temperatures are expected to continue for over a week.
猛暑 is the standard word for intense summer heat. 酷暑 is slightly stronger and more formal. 熱波 is a direct translation of 'heat wave' but is mainly used in scientific or international news contexts.
猛暑日 specifically means a day with a high of 35°C or above. It's a defined meteorological term, so use it when referring to such days rather than a general hot period.
来週は猛暑が予想されています。
A heat wave is expected next week.
猛暑で多くの健康被害が出ました。
The heat wave caused many health problems.