Learning how to express temperatures in different languages can be useful in various situations, especially when traveling or communicating with people from different cultures. In this guide, we will explore how to say “degrees Celsius” in Japanese, including both formal and informal ways. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the standard Japanese language used across Japan. Let’s dive in and uncover the various ways to express temperature in Japanese!
Table of Contents
The Formal Way
In formal settings, such as professional environments or when speaking to unfamiliar individuals, it is important to use polite language. Here’s how you can say “degrees Celsius” formally in Japanese:
1. Celsius (セルシウス – Serushiusu)
The most common and straightforward way to express “degrees Celsius” in Japanese is simply to use the borrowed term “Celsius” itself. The pronunciation in Japanese is “Serushiusu.”
Example: 今日の気温は摂氏30度です。(Kyou no kion wa sesshi sanjuu do desu.) – Today’s temperature is 30 degrees Celsius.
2. The Formal Japanese Word for Temperature (温度 – Ondo)
Another formal way to express temperature is by utilizing the Japanese word for “temperature,” which is “ondo.” By pairing it with the numerical value, you can indicate degrees Celsius.
Example: 明日の最高気温は25度の予想です。(Ashita no saikou kion wa 25 do no yosou desu.) – The forecast for tomorrow’s maximum temperature is 25 degrees Celsius.
The Informal Way
In casual conversations with friends, family, or close acquaintances, it is common to use a more relaxed and colloquial form of speech. Here’s how to express “degrees Celsius” informally in Japanese:
1. Celsius (セルシウス – Serushiusu)
Just like in formal settings, you can use the borrowed term “Celsius” in informal conversations. It remains the same in both formal and informal contexts.
Example: 今日の天気は30度くらいだよ。(Kyou no tenki wa sanjuu do kurai da yo.) – The weather today is around 30 degrees Celsius.
2. “Do” (度 – ど)
In conversational Japanese, especially when talking about weather or temperature casually, it is common to drop the word “Celsius” and simply mention the numerical value with the counter word “do.”
Example: あの日は35度もあったんだ。(Ano hi wa sanjuu go do mo atta n da.) – It was even 35 degrees Celsius on that day.
Tips and Regional Variations
1. Pay Attention to Intonation
When stating temperatures in Japanese, using the appropriate intonation is crucial to ensure clear communication. Make sure you emphasize the numerical value to avoid any confusion.
2. Understand Regional Temperature Scales
While Japan primarily uses the Celsius scale to express temperature, it’s worth noting that some countries, like the United States, use Fahrenheit. Being aware of these regional differences helps ensure effective communication when discussing temperatures internationally.
3. Learn Weather-Related Vocabulary
Expanding your vocabulary to include weather-related terms will greatly enhance your ability to discuss temperatures and climate. Familiarize yourself with words like “hot,” “cold,” “sunny,” “rainy,” and more to express your feelings accurately.
4. Pay Attention to Temperature Conversions
If you are accustomed to using Fahrenheit or other temperature scales, it’s beneficial to learn how to convert between Celsius and other units. This knowledge enables you to easily translate temperatures when needed.
Pro Tip: Carry a pocket-sized temperature conversion chart with you when traveling to easily convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now possess a comprehensive understanding of how to say “degrees Celsius” in Japanese. Remember to adjust your language based on the formality of the situation and the level of familiarity with the person you are speaking to. Pay attention to intonation and immerse yourself in weather-related vocabulary to further enhance your communication skills. Stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy expressing temperature in Japanese! どうぞお旅をお楽しみください！(Douzo otabi o oenjoy-kudasai!) – Have an enjoyable journey!
