Translation guide
The English word "inclement" is almost exclusively used to describe bad weather. This guide focuses on natural Japanese expressions for harsh, stormy, or unpleasant weather conditions.
Describing weather that is unpleasant, stormy, or severe in a general sense.
The standard term for "bad weather" or "inclement weather." Common in news, forecasts, and formal writing.
悪天候のため、試合は中止になった。
The game was canceled due to inclement weather.
Everyday phrase meaning "the weather is bad." More casual and conversational than 悪天候.
今日は天気が悪いから、傘を持って行った方がいいよ。
The weather is bad today, so you should take an umbrella.
Refers to stormy or rough weather, often used in marine or aviation contexts.
荒天のため、フェリーが欠航した。
The ferry was canceled due to stormy weather.
Abbreviation of 悪天候, used in some compound words or technical contexts, but less common on its own.
悪天が続いている。
Bad weather continues.
Specifically describing weather with heavy rain, storms, or strong winds.
Heavy rain. A common word used in daily conversation and weather reports.
大雨で電車が遅れた。
The train was delayed due to heavy rain.
Violent wind and rain; a storm. Often used in weather warnings.
Storm, tempest. Can be used metaphorically as well.
Describing inclement weather that is extremely cold, snowy, or freezing.
Severe cold. A natural phrase for harsh winter conditions.
厳しい寒さのため、水道管が凍った。
The water pipes froze due to the severe cold.
Intense cold, frigid. Often used in weather forecasts.
明日は極寒になる見込みです。
It is expected to be bitterly cold tomorrow.
Wild, rough weather; often implies a combination of wind, snow, or rain.
In English, "inclement" is almost exclusively used for weather. Avoid translating it literally into Japanese for other contexts. For example, "inclement boss" would not be 悪天候の上司; instead use 厳しい (きびしい) or 冷酷な (れいこくな).
悪天候 is formal and often used in written reports or announcements. 天気が悪い is the everyday spoken equivalent. Use 悪天候 for official contexts like flight cancellations, and 天気が悪い in casual conversation.
悪天候のため、イベントは延期されました。
Due to inclement weather, the event has been postponed.
ハイカーたちは悪天候に見舞われた。
The hikers were caught in inclement weather.
暴風雨警報が出ている。
A storm warning has been issued.
There was a terrible storm last night.
The weather is so wild that I can't go outside.