Translation and Meaning of: 気象 - kishou

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 気象 (きしょう). It appears in weather forecasts, news, and even in everyday conversations in Japan. But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, usage, and even some tips for memorizing it effectively. Whether for studies or pure curiosity, understanding 気象 can enrich your vocabulary and knowledge about Japanese culture.

Meaning and translation of 気象

The word 気象 (きしょう) is often translated as "meteorological phenomenon" or simply "climate." However, its meaning goes a bit beyond that. While 天気 (てんき) refers to the momentary state of the weather (such as "sun" or "rain"), 気象 encompasses broader atmospheric phenomena, including winds, atmospheric pressure, and seasonal changes.

In scientific contexts, it is used to describe climate patterns and meteorological studies. For example, 気象庁 (きしょうちょう) is the Japan Meteorological Agency, responsible for monitoring and predicting weather conditions in the country. If you have ever watched a Japanese news program, you have probably heard this word being used in reports about typhoons or temperature variations.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 気象 is composed of two kanji: 気 (き), which can mean "air," "energy," or "spirit," and 象 (しょう), which represents "form," "appearance," or "phenomenon." Together, they form the idea of "phenomena related to air" or "atmospheric manifestations." This combination well reflects the scientific concept behind the word.

It is worth noting that 象 also appears in words like 現象 (げんしょう, "phenomenon") and 印象 (いんしょう, "impression"), always carrying the notion of something that manifests or shows itself. This relationship helps to understand why 気象 is used to describe observable and measurable weather events.

Everyday and cultural use

In everyday life, the Japanese use 気象 more in formal or technical contexts. For informal conversations about the weather, words like 天気 (てんき) or 天候 (てんこう) are more common. However, 気象 frequently appears in newspapers, documentaries, and discussions about climate change, highlighting its importance in environmental topics.

Culturally, Japan pays great attention to meteorological phenomena due to its geography. Typhoons, earthquakes, and well-defined seasons are part of everyday life, and 気象 is directly linked to this context. Knowing this word can be useful not only for Japanese studies but also for understanding how the climate influences Japanese life and culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

天気 (tenki) - Short-term weather conditions; it generally refers to the state of the weather at a specific moment.
気候 (kikou) - Average climatic conditions of a region over a long period; encompasses patterns and trends.
気象状況 (kishou joukyou) - Specific weather situation that describes the weather conditions in a particular place and moment.
気象条件 (kishou jouken) - Weather conditions that influence phenomena, such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
気象情報 (kishou jouhou) - Information and data about current weather conditions or forecasts.