猛暑
mōsho
The English phrase "scorching" is expressed in Japanese as 猛暑 (mōsho).
猛暑 is a noun that refers to the state of scorching heat rather than being a direct adjective like 'hot'. It is used for extreme heatwaves or periods of intense heat.
Meaning: very hot (adj)
Which one should you use?
Other formal variations include 灼熱, which means scorching and 酷暑, which specifically refers to intense, oppressive heat during the summer season.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to modify a noun, the form 猛暑 takes the particle の, creating 猛暑の.
How do you pronounce it?
mōsho
Did you know?
- The first character in 猛暑 is the same one used in 猛獣, meaning 'wild beast'. This implies that the heat is not just high, but fierce and aggressive.
- To cope with 猛暑, people use a custom called 打ち水 (uchimizu), where they sprinkle water on the ground in front of their homes to cool the air via evaporation.
- While 猛暑 describes the weather, the word 灼熱 (shakunetsu) is often used metaphorically in anime and manga to describe a 'burning' passion or an intense spirit.
Examples in context
- 今年の夏は酷暑が続いています。This summer is experiencing a scorching heatwave.
- やばい、今日は灼熱だ！Oh no, it's scorching hot today!
- もう、炎天の中歩くのはツラいな。Walking amidst scorching temperatures is tough, isn't it?
- 今年の夏は猛暑が続いています。Kotoshi no natsu wa mosho ga tsuzuite imasu.This summer, the scorching heat is continuing.
- 猛暑の日は外出を控えましょう。Mosho no hi wa gaishutsu o hikaemashou.Let's avoid going out on scorching days.
- 昨日は猛暑でとても暑かった。Kinou wa mosho de totemo atsukatta.It was very hot yesterday due to the scorching heat.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about the weather over the phone.
- 健太 Kenta最近、猛暑がすごいね。Saikin, mosho ga sugoi ne.The scorching heat has been intense lately, hasn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当、外に出るのが怖いくらいだよ。Honto, soto ni deru no ga kowai kurai da yo.Really, it's almost scary to go outside.
- 健太 Kenta水分をしっかり取ってね。Suibun o shikkari totte ne.Make sure to stay well hydrated.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、健太さんも気をつけて。Arigatou, Kenta-san mo ki o tsukete.Thanks, you take care too, Kenta.
