Translation and Meaning of: 天候 - tenkou

The Japanese word 天候 [てんこう] is an essential term for anyone wishing to understand or talk about the weather in Japanese. Whether it's to plan a trip, keep up with weather forecasts, or simply expand vocabulary, knowing its meaning and correct usage makes all the difference. In this article, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to everyday situations in which this word appears, all in a clear and practical manner.

In addition to the literal meaning, understanding how the Japanese perceive and use 天候[てんこう] in daily life can be fascinating. Is it more commonly used in formal or informal contexts? Are there related expressions worth knowing? These and other questions will be answered throughout the text, with information based on reliable sources and real examples. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, keep reading to discover more!

Meaning and composition of 天候 [てんこう]

The word 天候[てんこう] is composed of two kanji: 天 (ten), which means "sky," and 候 (kou), which can be translated as "condition" or "sign." Together, they form the term that describes weather conditions or the state of the weather at a given moment. Unlike 天気[てんき], which also refers to the weather but in a more general and everyday sense, 天候 carries a slightly more formal and comprehensive tone.

It is worth noting that 天候 is not limited to describing whether it is raining or sunny. The term can be used to talk about broader weather patterns, such as seasonal changes or specific meteorological phenomena. For example, in news bulletins or scientific reports, it is common to find this word being used to discuss climate trends rather than momentary conditions.

Everyday use and appropriate contexts

In daily life, Japanese people tend to use 天気[てんき] for informal conversations about the weather, while 天候 appears more frequently in contexts such as weather forecasts on TV, newspaper articles, or technical discussions. This does not mean it is a rare word, but its use is more associated with situations where a more precise or neutral tone is desired.

An interesting detail is that 天候 often appears accompanied by adjectives or verbs that indicate change, such as 天候が悪化する (the weather is worsening) or 天候に恵まれる (to be favored by the weather). These constructions are especially useful for those who want to describe not only the current state of the weather but also its dynamics and impact on outdoor activities, agriculture, or even planned events.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to solidify the meaning of 天候 is to visually associate its kanjis with the concepts they represent. The first character, 天, shows a man (大) under a line that symbolizes the sky, while 候 refers to the idea of waiting or observing conditions. Together, they paint the image of someone looking at the sky to assess the weather – a scene that makes sense both culturally and linguistically.

In terms of pronunciation, it is worth noting that てんこう follows the on'yomi pattern (Chinese reading), common in compound terms made up of two kanjis. A curiosity observed in educational materials is that this word frequently appears in proficiency tests such as JLPT N2 or N1, making it even more relevant for advanced students. If you are preparing for these exams, including 天候 in your repertoire will certainly be useful.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

天気 (tenki) - Current Weather/Climate
気象条件 (kishou jouken) - Specific atmospheric conditions (such as temperature, humidity, wind)
気候条件 (kikou jouken) - Weather conditions over an extended period (such as hot, cold, dry, humid)