Translation guide
The English word "temperature" can refer to the measurable heat level of something, a fever, or the weather. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to how hot or cold something is, often in degrees.
The general term for temperature of objects, rooms, liquids, etc. Used in scientific and everyday contexts.
この部屋の温度は何度ですか。
What is the temperature of this room?
温度を測ってください。
Please measure the temperature.
Specifically refers to air temperature, often outdoors or atmospheric. Common in weather reports.
今日の気温は30度を超えました。
Today's temperature exceeded 30 degrees.
Water temperature. Used for baths, pools, oceans, etc.
お風呂の水温をチェックした。
I checked the bath water temperature.
Body temperature. Used when talking about health or fever.
体温を測りましたか。
Did you take your temperature?
Talking about having a fever or elevated body temperature due to illness.
The most common word for fever. Often used in phrases like 熱がある (to have a fever).
熱があるので、休みます。
I have a fever, so I'll rest.
熱が下がりました。
My fever went down.
Feeling feverish, but not necessarily confirmed with a thermometer.
A slight fever, low-grade fever.
Referring to how hot or cold it is outside, often in casual conversation.
Air temperature, used in weather forecasts and formal contexts.
明日の気温はどうですか。
What's the temperature tomorrow?
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often describe the feeling rather than stating the temperature. Use 暑い (hot) or 寒い (cold) instead of asking for the exact number.
温度 is the general term for temperature of anything. 気温 is specifically air temperature (weather). 体温 is body temperature. Use the specific word when context requires it.
Saying 温度がある to mean 'I have a temperature' is unnatural. Use 熱がある for fever. 温度 is for measurable heat of objects.
お湯の温度がちょうどいい。
The temperature of the water is perfect.
お風呂に入る前に温度を確認してね。
Check the temperature before you get in the bath.
なんだか熱っぽい。
I feel kind of feverish.
I've had a low-grade fever.