嵐
arashi[a̠ɾa̠ɕi]
The Japanese word for storm is 嵐 (arashi). Wiktionary also lists 暴風 (bōfū).
Meaning: disturbed state of the atmosphere causing destructive or unpleasant weather (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 嵐 | arashi | [a̠ɾa̠ɕi] (narrow) |
| 暴風 | bōfū | [bo̞ːɸɯ̟ː] (narrow) |
嵐 is the general term for a storm, referring to a disturbed state of the atmosphere that causes unpleasant or destructive weather. Like in English, it can be used metaphorically to describe a period of emotional turmoil, chaos or great trouble.
Which one should you use?
While 嵐 is the general word for a storm, 暴風 specifically emphasizes the violent or gale-force winds themselves.
How do you pronounce it?
arashi
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, 嵐 is the name of one of the most successful boy bands in history, known as Arashi.
- The character 嵐 was originally borrowed from Middle Chinese, where it referred to mountain mists or vapors.
- The word 嵐 can be used to describe the 'storm' of a scandal or public outcry in Japanese media.
Examples in context
- この風は嵐の前兆だ。This wind is a sign of a storm.This sentence shows how to use 嵐 to describe a sign or omen.Tatoeba #219968 by arnab, translation #57288 by Dejo
- 嵐がやって来そうだ。There's a storm coming.This sentence illustrates how to say a storm is approaching using 嵐.Tatoeba #1099148 by bunbuku, translation #458906 by CM
- おとといは嵐だった。There was a storm the day before yesterday.This sentence demonstrates how to use 嵐 when describing weather from a past day.Tatoeba #10350500 by small_snow, translation #10349361 by CK
- 112 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are looking at a weather forecast on TV.
- 結衣 Yui明日は嵐になるみたいだよ。Ashita wa arashi ni naru mitai da yo.It looks like there will be a storm tomorrow.
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、本当に？外に出られないね。E, hontou ni? Soto ni derarenai ne.What, really? We won't be able to go outside.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、強い嵐になるって言っていたよ。Un, tsuyoi arashi ni naru tte itte ita yo.Yeah, they said it will be a strong storm.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、明日の予定はキャンセルしよう。Jaa, ashita no yotei wa kyanseru shiyou.Then, let's cancel tomorrow's plans.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “storm” translations and entries 嵐, 暴風, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 嵐, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
