01
今日はいい天気ですね。
Kyō wa ii tenki desu ne.
"Nice weather today, isn't it?"
Grammar: Basic weather observation with agreement-seeking 'desu ne'
Social Conversations
How to Talk About the Weather in Japanese
Learn the art of Japanese weather conversation with natural phrases that locals use daily. From commenting on beautiful days to discussing seasonal preferences, these expressions help you connect through Japan's most universal topic of conversation. Learn to navigate the cultural nuances of weather talk and build meaningful social connections through shared observations about Japan's distinct seasons.
Japanese Weather Conversation Culture and Context
You're making casual conversation about the weather with a Japanese friend, coworker, or acquaintance
Essential Japanese Weather Small Talk Phrases and Expressions
02
はい、とてもいい天気ですね。
Hai, totemo ii tenki desu ne.
"Yes, it's beautiful."
Grammar: Agreeable response with intensifier 'totemo'
03
好きな天気は何ですか？
Suki na tenki wa nan desu ka?
"What's your favorite kind of weather?"
Grammar: Preference inquiry using 'suki na' + question pattern
04
晴れていて涼しい日が好きです。あなたは？
Hareteite suzushii hi ga suki desu. Anata wa?
"I love sunny and cool days. How about you?"
Grammar: Compound adjective description with reciprocal question
05
暖かくて晴れた日が好きです。特に春ですね。
Atatakakute hareta hi ga suki desu. Tokuni haru desu ne.
"I prefer warm and sunny days, especially in spring."
Grammar: Seasonal preference with 'tokuni' (especially)
06
今日は暑いですね。
Kyō wa atsui desu ne.
"It's really hot today."
Grammar: Temperature observation with empathy-seeking 'ne'
07
ええ、暑すぎますね。
Ee, atsusugimasu ne.
"Yeah, it's too hot."
Grammar: Excess expression using '-sugimasu' pattern
08
傘を持ってきましたか？雨が降りそうですね。
Kasa o motte kimashita ka? Ame ga furisō desu ne.
"Did you bring an umbrella? It looks like rain."
Grammar: Practical inquiry with weather prediction using '-sō'
09
いいえ、忘れてしまいました。雨が降らないといいですね。
Iie, wasurete shimaimashita. Ame ga furanai to ii desu ne.
"No, I forgot it. I hope it doesn't rain."
Grammar: Past regret with hope expression using 'to ii desu ne'
10
明日の天気はどうですか？
Ashita no tenki wa dō desu ka?
"What's the forecast for tomorrow?"
Grammar: Future inquiry using 'dō desu ka' pattern
Understanding Japanese Weather Conversation Culture and Etiquette
Weather conversation in Japan goes far beyond small talk - it's a cultural art form. Japanese people discuss weather with nuanced appreciation for seasonal changes, making it perfect for building rapport and showing cultural sensitivity.
The concept of 'kuuki o yomu' (reading the air) extends to weather conversations. Comments about weather often reflect shared experiences and create social harmony between people from different backgrounds.
Seasonal awareness is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Mentioning specific seasonal elements (cherry blossoms, cicadas, autumn leaves, snow patterns) shows cultural understanding and genuine appreciation for Japan's natural beauty.
Weather complaints are socially acceptable but should be balanced with positive observations. Excessive complaining about heat or cold can seem childish, while balanced comments show maturity and resilience.
The phrase 'ii tenki desu ne' is one of the most useful social lubricants in Japanese conversation - it works in almost any outdoor encounter and instantly creates connection.
Japanese Grammar Patterns for Weather Conversations and Small Talk
[weather]ですねpolite
Basic weather observation pattern using 'desu ne' for agreement-seeking comments
Standard way to make weather observations that invite agreement and connection
[adjective]すぎますpolite
Excess pattern using '-sugimasu' to express 'too much' of something
When weather conditions are extreme (too hot, too cold, too humid, etc.)
[weather]が好きですpolite
Preference pattern using 'ga suki desu' to express likes about weather
Sharing weather preferences and seasonal favorites
[weather]そうですねpolite
Appearance pattern using '-sō desu ne' for weather predictions or observations
When weather looks like it might change or commenting on likely conditions
[weather]と良いですねpolite
Hope/wish pattern using 'to ii desu ne' for desired weather conditions
Expressing hopes about future weather or ideal conditions
Complete Japanese Weather and Seasonal Vocabulary Guide
| Japanese | Romaji | English | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 天気 | tenki | weather | Weather Basics |
| 晴れ | hare | sunny/clear skies | Weather Basics |
| 雨 | ame | rain | Weather Basics |
| 雪 | yuki | snow | Weather Basics |
| 曇り | kumori | cloudy/overcast | Weather Basics |
| 風 | kaze | wind | Weather Basics |
| 暑い | atsui | hot (weather/air) | Temperature |
| 寒い | samui | cold (weather/air) | Temperature |
| 涼しい | suzushii | cool/refreshing | Temperature |
| 暖かい | atatakai | warm/mild | Temperature |
| 蒸し暑い | mushiatsui | hot and humid | Temperature |
| 湿気 | shikke | humidity/dampness | Seasonal |
| 梅雨 | tsuyu | rainy season (June-July) | Seasonal |
| 台風 | taifū | typhoon | Seasonal |
| 桜 | sakura | cherry blossoms | Seasonal |
| 紅葉 | kōyō | autumn leaves/fall colors | Seasonal |
| 傘 | kasa | umbrella | Weather Tools |
| 日傘 | higasa | parasol/sun umbrella | Weather Tools |
| 予報 | yohō | weather forecast | Weather Tools |
| 春 | haru | spring | Seasons |
| 夏 | natsu | summer | Seasons |
| 秋 | aki | autumn/fall | Seasons |
| 冬 | fuyu | winter | Seasons |
| とても | totemo | very/really | Modifiers |
| 少し | sukoshi | a little/slightly | Modifiers |
| 特に | tokuni | especially/particularly | Modifiers |
| 湿度 | shitsudo | humidity (level) | Seasonal |
| 乾燥 | kansō | dry/dryness | Seasonal |
| 最高気温 | saikō kion | high temperature | Temperature |
| 最低気温 | saitei kion | low temperature | Temperature |
| 降水確率 | kōsui kakuritsu | chance of rain | Seasonal |
| 花粉 | kafun | pollen | Seasonal |
| 紫外線 | shigaisen | UV (ultraviolet) | Seasonal |
| 度 | do | degrees (°C) | Temperature |
| 爽やか | sawayaka | crisp / refreshing | Temperature |
Practical Tips for Natural Japanese Weather Conversations
Cultural
Weather as Social Connection Tool
In Japan, weather conversation isn't just small talk - it's a way to show you're present and engaged with your environment. It demonstrates cultural sensitivity, seasonal awareness, and creates instant common ground with anyone.
Tip
The Power of 'Desu ne'
Adding 'desu ne' to weather observations invites agreement and creates connection. It's like saying 'right?' in English - it pulls people into shared experience and makes them feel included in your observation.
Watch Out
Don't Skip the Seasonal Context
Simply saying 'atsui desu' (it's hot) sounds incomplete. Japanese people expect seasonal context that shows awareness of time and place.
Example:暑いです → 夏らしい暑さですね (It feels like summer heat)
Cultural
Embrace Gentle Weather Complaints
Moderate complaining about weather extremes is socially acceptable and even bonding in Japan. Just balance complaints with appreciation for seasonal beauty or unique aspects of the weather.
Tip
Perfect Timing for Weather Talk
Use weather conversations as natural openers outdoors, during transitions (entering/leaving buildings), when meeting someone new, or when there's an awkward pause in conversation.
Watch Out
Avoid Extreme Negative Language
Be careful with overly negative adjectives. Saying weather is 'terrible' or 'horrible' can sound too harsh. Use moderate expressions with 'sugiru' (too much) instead.
Example:Avoid: ひどい天気 → Better: 暑すぎますね (It's too hot)