Translation guide
A typhoon is a tropical cyclone in the northwestern Pacific. In Japanese, the most common word is 台風 (たいふう). This guide covers how to talk about typhoons naturally in Japanese, including related weather expressions and common phrases.
Referring to a typhoon as a weather event, including its approach, landfall, and passing.
The standard word for typhoon. Used in all contexts, from casual conversation to news reports.
台風が近づいています。
A typhoon is approaching.
台風が上陸した。
The typhoon made landfall.
台風が過ぎ去った。
The typhoon has passed.
The eye of the typhoon. Used both literally and metaphorically.
台風の目に入った。
We entered the eye of the typhoon.
Talking about the typhoon season or how often typhoons occur.
Common phrase for typhoon season, typically late summer to autumn.
台風シーズンは9月がピークです。
Typhoon season peaks in September.
A more descriptive way to say 'the period when typhoons are frequent'.
台風の多い時期は旅行を避けたほうがいい。
It's better to avoid traveling during the period when typhoons are frequent.
Describing weather conditions caused by a typhoon, such as strong winds and heavy rain.
Literally 'violent wind and rain', often used in weather warnings during typhoons.
台風に伴う暴風雨に注意してください。
Please be careful of the stormy weather accompanying the typhoon.
Strong wind, commonly used in typhoon contexts.
Heavy rain, often associated with typhoons.
Understanding and talking about typhoon-related warnings and advisories.
Typhoon warning. Official term used by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
台風警報が発令された。
A typhoon warning has been issued.
Typhoon advisory, a lower-level alert than a warning.
台風注意報が出ている。
A typhoon advisory is in effect.
Discussing preparations for a typhoon or its effects, such as damage and closures.
Typhoon countermeasures or preparations.
台風対策をしっかりしましょう。
Let's take thorough typhoon precautions.
Typhoon damage.
台風の被害が大きかった。
The typhoon damage was extensive.
School closure due to a typhoon. A common phrase in daily life.
明日は台風で休校になるかもしれない。
School might be closed tomorrow because of the typhoon.
Referring to specific typhoons by number or name.
Typhoon number N. In Japan, typhoons are often referred to by number (e.g., 台風10号).
台風10号が接近中です。
Typhoon No. 10 is approaching.
Typhoon name. International names are sometimes used, but numbers are more common domestically.
この台風の名前は「ハギビス」です。
The name of this typhoon is Hagibis.
In English, 'typhoon' specifically refers to storms in the northwestern Pacific. In Japanese, 台風 is used for all tropical cyclones regardless of region, but when speaking English, be aware of the distinction. Japanese learners sometimes mistakenly use 'typhoon' for storms in other regions.
Common verbs used with 台風 include 近づく (approach), 上陸する (make landfall), 通過する (pass), それる (veer away), and 発生する (form).
台風の影響で強風が吹いている。
Strong winds are blowing due to the typhoon.
台風で大雨になった。
It turned into heavy rain because of the typhoon.