Greetings! Are you looking to express the scorching heat in Japanese? Whether you want to describe the warm weather, a spicy dish, or even a heated situation, I’ll guide you through the different ways to say “It is hot” in Japanese. We’ll cover both formal and informal expressions, and sprinkle in some useful tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s jump right in, shall we?
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations or polite conversations, you’ll want to use these phrases to convey that “It is hot.”
1. 暑いです
“Atsui desu.” This simple phrase is the go-to expression for “It is hot” in formal situations. It’s composed of two parts; “atsui” meaning “hot,” and “desu” which is the formal copula often added to complete a sentence. Remember to pronounce the “tsu” sound softly.
Example: 今日はとても暑いですね。“Kyō wa totemo atsui desu ne.” (It’s very hot today, isn’t it?)
Informal Expressions
Let’s move on to more casual or friendly expressions for situations among friends, family, or acquaintances.
1. 暑い
“Atsui.” When informally discussing hot weather, you can omit the copula “desu” and simply say “atsui.” This expression is straightforward and commonly used in everyday conversations.
Example: 今日は暑い！“Kyō wa atsui!” (It’s hot today!)
2. 猛暑だ
“Mōsho da.” For extreme heat waves or scorching weather, this expression works perfectly. It adds emphasis to the intensity of the heat. “Mōsho” means “intense heat” or “scorching heat.”
Example: この夏は猛暑だ！“Kono natsu wa mōsho da!” (This summer is extremely hot!)
Useful Tips and Variations
Now that you are familiar with the basic expressions, here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your understanding of saying “It is hot” in Japanese:
1. Regional Variations
Japanese has various regional dialects, and the way people express “It is hot” may differ slightly. Here are a few notable regional variations:
- Kansai Dialect: In the Kansai region, people often use the phrase “atsū ya” to mean “hot.”
- Osaka Dialect: In Osaka, you might commonly hear “atsen” instead of “atsui.”
- Kyushu Dialect: In Kyushu, the word “mo-sa” is used for “hot.”
2. Using Adverbs
By adding adverbs, you can express the degree or intensity of the heat more precisely:
- とても暑い (totemo atsui) – Very hot
- すごく暑い (sugoku atsui) – Extremely hot
- めちゃくちゃ暑い (mechakucha atsui) – Super hot
3. Hot Food and Drinks
When referring to the spiciness of food or drinks, you can use the word “karai” which means “spicy” or “hot” in terms of flavor:
Example: このカレーは辛い！“Kono karē wa karai!” (This curry is spicy!)
4. Figurative Usage
The phrase “Atsu-atsu” is popular among younger generations. It’s derived from the English word “hot” and can be used to describe a trendy or popular person, thing, or situation, while not indicating actual temperature.
Example: あのアーティストは今、とてもアツい！“Ano ātisuto wa ima, totemo atsu-atsu!” (That artist is very hot right now!)
Final Thoughts
Now you’re equipped with multiple ways to say “It is hot” in Japanese, both formally and informally. Remember to adjust your expressions based on the context, relationship, and politeness level required for the situation. Feel free to explore the regional variations and experiment with different adverbs to convey the intensity of the heat.
Keep in mind that Japanese is a language deeply influenced by culture and context. So, don’t hesitate to learn more Japanese phrases and expressions to strengthen your overall language skills. Stay cool and enjoy expressing the heat in Japanese!
