Yuka天気 and 天候 both mean “weather” — but one is for today’s weather and the other describes longer-term atmospheric conditions. Do you know which is which?
Rei天気 (tenki) is the weather right now or today — everyday usage. 天候 (tenkou) refers to weather conditions over a longer period — more formal and meteorological.
| 天気 (tenki) | 天候 (tenkou) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Weather (current / daily) | Weather conditions (extended / formal) |
| Time scope | Today, right now, this moment | Extended period, season, region |
| Register | Casual, everyday | Formal, meteorological, written |
| Example | 今日の天気はどう? | 悪天候のため欠航となりました。 |
天気 — Today’s Weather
天気 (tenki) is the word you use every day for the weather. It refers to current or short-term weather and is used in casual conversation, weather apps, and everyday questions.
- 今日の天気はどうですか?— What’s the weather like today?
- 天気予報を見ました。— I checked the weather forecast.
- いい天気ですね！— What nice weather!
- 天気が悪いから傘を持って行って。— The weather is bad, so take an umbrella.
天候 — Extended Weather Conditions
天候 (tenkou) refers to weather conditions over time — a longer duration or a formal/meteorological context. It appears more in news, official reports, and written language.
- 悪天候のため、フライトが欠航になりました。— Due to bad weather conditions, the flight was cancelled.
- 天候不順が続いています。— Unstable weather conditions continue.
- 天候次第でイベントを変更します。— We will change the event depending on weather conditions.
天候 Compounds
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 悪天候 | あくてんこう | Bad weather (formal) |
| 天候不順 | てんこうふじゅん | Unsettled / unstable weather |
| 天候次第 | てんこうしだい | Depending on weather conditions |
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English speakers use “weather” for both and may default to 天気 everywhere. This is usually fine — but in formal writing, news, or official communications, 天候 sounds more appropriate and precise. Saying 悪天気 instead of 悪天候 is understandable but sounds slightly off in formal contexts.
Quick Quiz
Which word would appear in a formal flight cancellation notice due to weather?
Answer: 天候 — 悪天候のため欠航となりました。
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