When it comes to expressing temperatures or angles in Japanese, it’s important to have a good grasp of the appropriate terminology. In this guide, we will explore how to say degrees in Japanese, covering both formal and informal ways of expression. While regional variations may exist, we will focus on the commonly used terms. Read on to discover useful tips, examples, and more!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Degrees
When you want to convey temperatures or angles in a formal setting, it’s essential to use polite language. Here are some phrases you can use:
- 度 (ど – do): This is the most general term for degrees in Japanese. It can be used for both temperature and angles. For example, you can say “30 degrees” as “三十度 (さんじゅうど – sanjūdo)” or “角度 (かくど – kakudo)” for “angle.”
- ℃ (せるし – serushi): When expressing temperatures in Celsius, you can use the degree symbol followed by “C” to denote Celsius. For instance, 30 degrees Celsius is “30℃ (さんじゅうせるし – sanjū serushi).”
- 華氏 (かし – kashi): If you need to refer to Fahrenheit, you can use the term “華氏 (かし – kashi)” followed by the desired temperature. For example, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is “七十華氏 (ななじゅうかし – nanajū kashi).”
Informal Expressions for Degrees
In casual conversations or when speaking with friends and peers, you can use a more relaxed language style. Here are some commonly used informal expressions:
- 度 (ど – do): Similar to formal language, you can use “度 (ど – do)” to express degrees. For example, you can say “30 degrees” as “三十度 (さんじゅうど – sanjūdo)” or “角度 (かくど – kakudo)” for “angle.”
- 度 (どぅ – du): In a more casual setting, you might hear people pronounce “度 (ど – do)” as “度 (どぅ – du)” to give a friendlier tone. For instance, you can say “30 degrees” as “三十度 (さんじゅうどぅ – sanjūdu).” However, note that this pronunciation is not as common as the regular one.
- ワンタッチ (わんたっち – wantacchi): This term is commonly used in reference to a 90-degree angle. It originates from the English phrase “one touch” and has become popular among young Japanese speakers.
Examples in Context
To better understand how to use these expressions, let’s take a look at some examples:
In a formal setting:
A: 今日の最高気温は何度ですか？ (きょうのさいこうきおんはなんどですか？)
B: ３５度です。 (さんじゅうごどです。)In an informal setting:
A: 今日の天気はどうだった？ (きょうのてんきはどうだった？)
B: 暑かったよ！３３度ぐらいあったんじゃない？ (あつかったよ！さんじゅうさんどぐらいあったんじゃない？)
Summary
Whether you need to discuss the temperature or describe angles, being able to express degrees accurately in Japanese is crucial. Remember to adapt your language to fit the formality of the situation. In formal contexts, use “度 (ど – do),” whereas in informal conversations, both “度 (ど – do)” and “度 (どぅ – du)” are acceptable. Additionally, be aware of using units like Celsius (℃) or Fahrenheit (華氏) appropriately. By using the right expression, you can effectively communicate temperature and angles in Japanese.
