気圧

• Reading: きあつ
• Romaji: kiatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — air, atmosphere; 圧 (atsu) — pressure, force
• Pronunciation: /ki.a.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Atmospheric pressure; air pressure. The force exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere.

A noun used in weather forecasts, science, and everyday conversation about how weather affects the body. In Japan, many people attribute headaches and fatigue to changes in 気圧, making this a practical vocabulary item. Common collocations include 低気圧 (teikiatsu, low pressure) and 高気圧 (koukiatsu, high pressure). Also used figuratively — 気圧される (kiatsusareru) means to be overwhelmed or intimidated by someone's presence.

Examples

1. 気圧の変化で頭が痛くなることがある。 Changes in air pressure can sometimes cause headaches.
2. 山の上では気圧が低いので、水の沸点が下がる。 At the top of a mountain, the lower air pressure causes water to boil at a lower temperature.
3. 今日は気圧が急に下がったせいか、体がだるい。 My body feels sluggish today — probably because the air pressure dropped suddenly.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, science, health

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 気 (ki, air/atmosphere) + 圧 (atsu, pressure). Literally 'air pressure' — the physical force of the atmosphere.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal