嵐

• Reading: あらし
• Romaji: arashi
• Kanji breakdown: 嵐 (ran/arashi) — storm, tempest
• Pronunciation: /a.ɾa.ɕi/

Meaning

Storm; tempest. A violent weather event with strong wind and rain.

A noun for severe storms with strong winds and heavy rain. Used both literally for weather and figuratively for turbulent situations, as in 人生の嵐 (the storms of life). Also widely recognised as the name of the popular idol group. Related expressions include 嵐の前の静けさ (the calm before the storm).

Examples

1. 今夜は嵐が来るらしい。 Apparently a storm is coming tonight.
2. 嵐の後、空がきれいに晴れた。 After the storm, the sky cleared up beautifully.
3. 彼の人生は嵐のように激しかった。 His life was as turbulent as a storm.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, literature, figurative speech

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 嵐 combines 山 (mountain) and 風 (wind), vividly depicting fierce wind blowing through mountains.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal