天気 vs 気候
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 天気
Listen to 気候
| 天気 | 気候 |
|---|---|
TEN-ki noun | kikō noun |
| weather | climate; the long-term weather conditions of a place |
How they differ
"気候" refers to the typical weather patterns of a region over a long period, not the weather on a specific day. "天気" is the immediate, day-to-day condition of the sky and atmosphere.
When to use each
When to use 天気: Use "天気" when talking about today’s weather, tomorrow’s forecast, or current conditions.
When to use 気候: Use "気候" when discussing a place’s climate, seasonal patterns, or long-term weather characteristics.
Side-by-side examples
- 今日は天気がいいです。
(The weather is nice today.) - この地域は温暖な気候です。
(This region has a warm climate.)
Register & nuance: "気候" is a neutral, standard word often used in weather reports, geography, and general discussion about climate.