Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your Japanese vocabulary and learn how to express negative temperature, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying negative temperature in Japanese, while also shedding light on regional variations. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of weather-related expressions. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
In formal situations, such as during conversations with your boss, teachers, or strangers, it’s important to use the appropriate language and expressions. When referring to negative temperature, you can say:
1. 冷 さ れた (Koorasareta)
When emphasizing the coldness, use “koorasareta” to express negative temperature in a formal manner. It conveys a sense of extreme coldness.Example:
さ れた ので 、手 かむ る 必要 が がし られ た。Koorasareta node, te wo kamu hitsuyou ga gashirareta.
Because it was very cold, I had to put on gloves.
2. マイナス 温度 (Mainasu Ondo)
In formal contexts, you can also use “mainasu ondo,” which literally translates to “minus temperature.”Example:
今 日 の ら あまりに も マイナス 温度 で す 。Kyou no tenki wa amarini mo mainasu ondo desu.
Today’s weather is way below freezing.
Informal Expressions
Informal situations, like chatting with friends or family, allow for a more relaxed language style. When discussing negative temperature more casually, you can use the following expressions:
1. 寒 さ (Samusa)
Simply stating “samusa” conveys the idea of negative temperature in an informal way. It’s a common and versatile term used in everyday conversations.Example:
今 日 めっちゃ 寒 い よね 。Kyou meccha samui yo ne.
Wow, it’s super cold today, isn’t it?
2. 氷点下 (Hyoutenka)
To add a touch of sophistication to your informal speech, you can use “hyoutenka,” which means “below freezing point.”Example:
明 日 も 朝 から 氷点下 の 天気 続 くら り そう 。Ashita mo asa kara hyoutenka no tenki tsudzuku rashii.
It seems the weather will remain below freezing tomorrow.
Regional Variations
While these expressions cover the most common ways to say negative temperature in Japanese, there are also specific regional variations worth mentioning:
- 北海道 方言 (Hokkaido Dialect)
In the northernmost region of Japan, Hokkaido, people use the word “メンケット (menketto)” to mean “freezing cold.” It’s a local term that reflects the colder climate of the area. - 東北 方言 (Tohoku Dialect)
In the northeastern region of Tohoku, people often say “寒えげっちゅう (samuegecchuu)” to express extreme coldness. This regional expression showcases the unique dialect found in this area.
Remember, these regional variations are not common in everyday conversations outside their respective areas. They are included here for the sake of providing a comprehensive guide.
Tips for Practicing
Now that you have a solid grasp of expressing negative temperature in Japanese, here are some tips to help you practice and refine your skills:
- 1. Expand Your Vocabulary: Take the opportunity to learn more weather-related vocabulary in Japanese. This way, you can express different weather conditions accurately and diversify your conversations.
- 2. Listen to Native Speakers: Tune into Japanese podcasts, watch Japanese news or weather reports, and interact with native speakers. Immerse yourself in the language to pick up natural intonations and idiomatic expressions related to weather and temperature.
- 3. Use Contextual Examples: Incorporate negative temperature expressions into practical sentences. Describe how the cold weather affects your daily life or share your plans for braving the chilly conditions. By using context, you’ll become more comfortable with various expressions.
- 4. Practice with Language Exchange Partners: Find language exchange partners who can help you practice your Japanese. They can provide feedback, clarify any doubts, and share their own experiences and regional expressions related to negative temperature.
Remember, language learning takes time and practice. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you’ll soon become more confident and comfortable expressing negative temperature in Japanese.
I hope this extensive guide has answered your queries and provided you with the necessary tools to express negative temperature in both formal and informal settings. Good luck with your language journey, and stay warm!
