気象

• Reading: きしょう
• Romaji: kishou
• Kanji breakdown: 気 (ki) — air, atmosphere; 象 (shou) — phenomenon, sign, elephant
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɕoː/

Meaning

Weather; weather conditions; meteorology. The state of the atmosphere at a given time and place.

A noun used in formal and scientific contexts to describe weather phenomena. More technical than 天気 (tenki, weather), which is used in everyday conversation. Most commonly encountered in 気象庁 (Kishoucho, Japan Meteorological Agency), 気象予報 (kishou yohou, weather forecast), and 異常気象 (ijou kishou, abnormal weather). Essential vocabulary for understanding Japanese news and weather reports.

Examples

1. 気象庁から大雪の予報が出された。 The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a forecast for heavy snow.
2. 異常気象が世界各地で増えている。 Abnormal weather events are increasing around the world.
3. 気象データを分析して天候のパターンを研究している。 We are researching weather patterns by analyzing meteorological data.

Usage Guide

Context: weather reports, news, science

Tone: academic

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 気 (ki, air/atmosphere) + 象 (shou, phenomenon/sign). Literally 'atmospheric phenomena' — the observable conditions of the atmosphere.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal