台風
A large, powerful tropical cyclone that occurs in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. In Japan, they occur most frequently between July and October and are identified by numbers rather than names in daily news reporting.
Examples
3 of 5台風が来るので、窓を閉めます。
I will close the windows because a typhoon is coming.
台風の影響により、公共交通機関に乱れが生じております。
Due to the typhoon's influence, public transportation is experiencing disruptions.
台風、マジでヤバいね。
The typhoon is seriously crazy, isn't it?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize the kanji: 台 (a stand/pedestal) and 風 (wind). A 'big wind' powerful enough to blow a pedestal away.
Quick Quiz
( )が来ているので、外は風がとても強いです。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 台風
Examples
台風が来るので、窓を閉めます。
everydayI will close the windows because a typhoon is coming.
台風の影響により、公共交通機関に乱れが生じております。
formalDue to the typhoon's influence, public transportation is experiencing disruptions.
台風、マジでヤバいね。
informalThe typhoon is seriously crazy, isn't it?
台風の進路は、高気圧の勢力によって決定される。
academicThe path of a typhoon is determined by the strength of high-pressure systems.
台風接近に伴い、本日の営業は15時までとさせていただきます。
businessDue to the approaching typhoon, we will be closing today at 3:00 PM.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
台風一過
Clear weather after a typhoon has passed
台風の目になる
To be at the center of a situation or controversy
台風情報
Typhoon tracking information
Often Confused With
These are the same weather phenomenon but occur in different regions; typhoons are in the NW Pacific, hurricanes are in the Atlantic/NE Pacific.
Arashi is a general term for any storm, while Taifuu is a specific meteorological classification.
Usage Notes
In Japan, typhoons are usually referred to by number (e.g., 'Typhoon No. 12') in official contexts, though the word 'Taifuu' is used generally for any such storm.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget that 'Taifuu' specifically refers to the tropical cyclone system and use it for any heavy rain (which should be 'Ooame').
Memory Tip
Visualize the kanji: 台 (a stand/pedestal) and 風 (wind). A 'big wind' powerful enough to blow a pedestal away.
Word Origin
Derived from the Chinese 'da feng' (great wind), with the current kanji chosen to represent the sound and meaning of a massive windstorm.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japan, the 'Typhoon Season' (August-September) is a significant part of the yearly rhythm, affecting school schedules and festival planning.
Quick Quiz
( )が来ているので、外は風がとても強いです。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 台風
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