干ばつ 30초 만에
- 干ばつ means 'drought', a serious lack of rain.
- It is a formal noun used in news and science.
- Commonly paired with verbs like '続く' and '起こる'.
- It leads to '水不足' (water shortage) and crop failure.
The term 干ばつ (Kanbatsu) refers to a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a critical shortage of water. In a geographical and environmental context, it is not merely a few days without rain but a systemic failure of the hydrological cycle in a specific region. This phenomenon triggers a cascade of negative effects, starting from the drying of topsoil and extending to the depletion of reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater levels. The term is deeply rooted in both meteorological science and agricultural necessity, as water is the lifeblood of civilization. When we speak of 干ばつ, we are discussing a state of environmental distress that threatens food security, energy production (especially hydroelectric), and human health.
- Meteorological Definition
- A deficit of precipitation over an extended period, usually a season or more, resulting in a water shortage.
- Agricultural Impact
- The point where moisture in the soil is no longer sufficient to support crop growth, leading to withered harvests.
- Hydrological State
- When surface and subsurface water supplies are below the statistical average for a significant duration.
"アフリカの多くの地域が、数年間にわたる深刻な干ばつに苦しんでいます。" (Many regions in Africa are suffering from a serious drought lasting several years.)
Historically, Japan has faced periods of kassui (water shortage), but the term 干ばつ is often used for larger-scale, more devastating climatic events. It implies a sense of powerlessness against nature's lack of bounty. In modern discourse, it is frequently linked to climate change and global warming, as shifting weather patterns make certain areas more prone to these dry spells. The nuance of the word suggests a slow-onset disaster; unlike a flood or earthquake, a drought creeps up, gradually turning green fields into dust and vibrant rivers into dry beds.
"干ばつの影響で、野菜の価格が急騰している。" (Due to the drought, vegetable prices are skyrocketing.)
- Economic Consequence
- Inflation of food prices and loss of income for farmers.
- Social Consequence
- Water rationing and potential migration from affected rural areas.
To understand 干ばつ is to understand the fragility of our environment. It serves as a reminder of our dependence on the natural water cycle. In Japan, while the country is generally humid, specific regions like Shikoku often face seasonal water shortages that border on drought conditions, leading to the famous 'dam empty' news segments during hot summers. This word encapsulates the heat, the dust, and the desperate wait for the first drop of rain.
Using 干ばつ correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that describes a state of being or a specific event. It is most commonly paired with verbs that describe its occurrence, duration, or the suffering it causes. For example, to say a drought is happening, you use 干ばつが起こる (a drought occurs) or 干ばつが続く (a drought continues). When discussing the impact on people or land, the verb 苦しむ (to suffer) is frequently employed: 干ばつに苦しむ.
"その国は十数年も干ばつに見舞われている。" (That country has been hit by a drought for over a decade.)
In formal writing and news reporting, you will often see the compound 深刻な干ばつ (serious/severe drought). The word 見舞われる (mimaわれる) is a crucial passive verb to learn here; while it often means 'to visit' in a positive sense, in this context, it means to be 'struck by' or 'afflicted by' a disaster. Thus, 干ばつに見舞われる is the standard way to report that a region is experiencing this crisis.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 続く (Tsuduku): To continue. "干ばつが長く続いている。"
- 襲う (Osou): To attack/strike. "大干ばつが地域を襲った。"
- 対策を立てる (Taisaku o tateru): To make a plan/countermeasure. "干ばつ対策を立てる必要がある。"
Furthermore, 干ばつ can be modified by adjectives to indicate scale. 大干ばつ (Dai-kanbatsu) refers to a massive, historic drought. Conversely, 一時的な干ばつ (Ichijiteki na kanbatsu) suggests a temporary dry spell. In academic or policy-making contexts, it is often linked with 被害 (higai - damage), as in 干ばつ被害. Understanding these collocations allows a learner to move from simple sentences to complex descriptions of environmental and social issues. Whether you are writing an essay on climate change or reading a news article about global food prices, these patterns will appear constantly.
The word 干ばつ is a staple of news broadcasts, environmental documentaries, and educational settings. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation unless the weather has been exceptionally dry for weeks. Instead, you are most likely to encounter it in the following contexts:
- 1. News Reports (NHK, etc.)
- Reports on international crises, such as droughts in East Africa or the Western United States. Phrases like "歴史的な干ばつ" (historical drought) are common.
- 2. Geography & Science Classrooms
- When discussing climate zones, desertification (砂漠化), and the water cycle. Students learn about the causes of 干ばつ such as El Niño.
- 3. Environmental Documentaries
- Narrators use the word to describe the struggle of wildlife and the changing landscape due to global warming.
"今夜のニュース：世界各地で記録的な干ばつが続いています。" (Tonight's news: Record-breaking droughts continue around the world.)
In Japan, while the word is used for domestic issues, the media often uses more specific terms like 取水制限 (syusui seigen - water intake restriction) when a local dam is low. However, when the situation becomes dire and affects the entire agricultural output of a region, 干ばつ becomes the primary term. You might also hear it in political speeches regarding foreign aid, where Japan pledges support for countries suffering from kanbatsu.
If you are a student of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at the N2 or N1 level, this word is essential. It appears in reading passages about social issues and listening sections that simulate news reports. Even at an A1 level, recognizing the word helps you identify the topic of a news segment immediately, even if you don't understand every detail. It is a 'keyword' that signals a serious discussion about the environment and human survival.
For learners of Japanese, the most common mistake with 干ばつ is confusing it with other water-related terms or using it in contexts that are too small-scale. Here are the primary pitfalls to avoid:
- 1. Confusing with 'Kassui' (渇水)
- 渇水 refers specifically to the shortage of water in pipes or dams (water supply shortage). 干ばつ is the broader climatic phenomenon. You wouldn't say there is a 'kanbatsu' in your apartment if the water is cut off; that's 'dansui' (断水).
- 2. Overusing it for 'Dry Weather'
- If it hasn't rained for three days and your garden is a bit dry, do not use 干ばつ. This word carries a heavy, disastrous nuance. For simple dry weather, use 乾燥している (kansou shiteiru - it is dry) or 日照り (hideri - dry spell/sunshine).
"❌ 昨日は雨が降らなかったので、干ばつでした。" (Wrong: It didn't rain yesterday, so it was a drought.)
"✅ 最近、雨が少なくて乾燥しています。" (Correct: It's been dry lately due to lack of rain.)
Another mistake is the kanji. While usually written in kana as 干ばつ, the kanji 旱魃 is extremely difficult. Many learners try to write the 'batsu' part with the kanji for 'punishment' (罰), which is incorrect. If you must write it in kanji, ensure you use the correct 'sun' and 'dry' radicals. However, sticking to 干ばつ is perfectly acceptable and even preferred in most modern contexts to ensure the reader understands immediately. Finally, remember that 干ばつ is a noun. You cannot say 'kanbatsu-suru'. You must say 'kanbatsu ga okoru' or 'kanbatsu ni naru'.
To truly master 干ばつ, it is helpful to understand its relationship with other words in the 'dryness' and 'disaster' semantic fields. Japanese has several terms that overlap but have distinct nuances.
- 1. 渇水 (Kassui)
- Focuses on the shortage of water supply. Used when dams are low and cities must restrict water usage. It is a technical and administrative term.
- 2. 日照り (Hideri)
- Focuses on the strong sunshine and lack of rain. It has a more traditional, slightly more poetic or old-fashioned feel than the scientific 'kanbatsu'.
- 3. 砂漠化 (Sabakuka)
- Desertification. This is the long-term result of repeated or permanent drought where fertile land becomes a desert. 干ばつ is often the cause, and 砂漠化 is the outcome.
- 4. 水不足 (Mizubusoku)
- Simply 'water shortage'. This is the most common everyday term. If there is no water to drink or wash, people say 'mizubusoku'. It is less formal than 'kanbatsu'.
"干ばつによって、深刻な水不足が起きている。" (Due to the drought, a serious water shortage is occurring.)
Understanding these differences allows you to choose the right word for the right situation. If you are talking to a friend about why you can't water your lawn, use 水不足. If you are discussing the reasons for a famine in a history class, use 干ばつ. If you are reading a government notice about turning off the fountains in the park, you will likely see 渇水. Each word provides a different 'lens' through which to view the lack of water, from the atmospheric (kanbatsu) to the practical (mizubusoku) to the administrative (kassui).
How Formal Is It?
난이도
알아야 할 문법
Cause and Effect (～で / ～によって)
Passive Voice (～に見舞われる)
State of Being (～が続いている)
Potential for Disaster (～の恐れがある)
Nominalization (干ばつの深刻化)
수준별 예문
長い間、雨が降りません。干ばつです。
It hasn't rained for a long time. It's a drought.
Noun + desu (Simple state)
干ばつで、水がありません。
Because of the drought, there is no water.
Particle 'de' indicating cause.
干ばつは怖いです。
Droughts are scary.
Topic marker 'wa' + adjective.
ここは干ばつですか？
Is there a drought here?
Question form.
干ばつで木が枯れました。
The trees died because of the drought.
Verb 'karemashita' (withered/died).
大きな干ばつが来ました。
A big drought came.
Adjective 'ookina' modifying noun.
干ばつは大変です。
Droughts are a big problem.
Common expression 'taihen' (serious/difficult).
雨が降れば、干ばつは終わります。
If it rains, the drought will end.
Conditional 'ba' form.
深刻な干ばつが続いています。
A serious drought is continuing.
Adjective 'shinkoku na' (serious).
干ばつの影響で野菜が高いです。
Vegetables are expensive due to the effects of the drought.
Noun 'eikyou' (influence/effect).
アフリカで干ばつが起きました。
A drought occurred in Africa.
Verb 'okiru' (to occur).
干ばつの時は、水を大切にします。
During a drought, we value water.
Noun 'toki' (time/when).
その村は干ばつに苦しんでいます。
That village is suffering from a drought.
Verb 'kurushimu' (to suffer).
干ばつで川の水がなくなりました。
The river water disappeared because of the drought.
Particle 'de' + 'nakunaru' (disappear).
干ばつ対策が必要です。
Drought countermeasures are necessary.
Compound noun 'kanbatsu taisaku'.
干ばつが何ヶ月も続いています。
The drought has been continuing for many months.
Duration + 'tsuduite iru'.
歴史的な干ばつが農業に大打撃を与えた。
A historical drought dealt a heavy blow to agriculture.
Verb 'ataeru' (to give/inflict).
干ばつに見舞われた地域に食料を送る。
We send food to regions struck by drought.
Passive 'mimawareru' (to be struck by).
干ばつが原因で、多くの家畜が死んだ。
Many livestock died due to the drought.
'Genin de' (as a cause).
政府は干ばつ被害の調査を始めた。
The government began an investigation into drought damage.
Noun 'chousa' (investigation).
干ばつによってダムの貯水率が低下した。
The dam's water storage rate dropped due to the drought.
'Niyotte' (due to - formal).
この地域は頻繁に干ばつが発生する。
Droughts frequently occur in this region.
Adverb 'hinpan ni' (frequently).
干ばつが長引くと、経済にも影響が出る。
If the drought drags on, it will also affect the economy.
Verb 'nagabiku' (to drag on).
干ばつを乗り越えるために協力する。
We cooperate to overcome the drought.
Verb 'norikoeru' (to overcome).
地球温暖化が干ばつの頻度を高めている。
Global warming is increasing the frequency of droughts.
Causative-like 'takameru' (to heighten).
干ばつが深刻化し、水争いが起きている。
The drought is worsening, and water conflicts are occurring.
Verb 'shinkokuka-suru' (to become serious).
干ばつに強い作物の開発が進められている。
The development of drought-resistant crops is being promoted.
Expression '...ni tsuyoi' (resistant to).
干ばつは砂漠化を加速させる要因の一つだ。
Drought is one of the factors that accelerate desertification.
Noun 'youin' (factor).
数年越しの干ばつにより、井戸が枯れ果てた。
Due to a multi-year drought, the wells have completely dried up.
Verb 'kare-hateru' (to dry up completely).
干ばつによる食糧不足が社会不安を招いた。
Food shortages caused by drought led to social unrest.
Verb 'maneku' (to invite/lead to).
気象庁は、この夏も干ばつの恐れがあると発表した。
The Meteorological Agency announced there is a risk of drought this summer as well.
Noun 'osore' (fear/risk).
干ばつが続くと、森林火災のリスクも高まる。
If the drought continues, the risk of forest fires also increases.
Noun 'shinrin kasai' (forest fire).
干ばつは、脆弱なコミュニティに壊滅的な打撃を与える。
Droughts deal a devastating blow to vulnerable communities.
Adjective 'kaimetsuteki' (devastating).
持続可能な水管理が、将来の干ばつへの備えとなる。
Sustainable water management serves as preparation for future droughts.
Noun 'sonae' (preparation/provision).
干ばつが引き金となり、周辺諸国との緊張が高まった。
The drought triggered increased tension with neighboring countries.
Metaphor 'hikigane' (trigger).
異常気象による干ばつの長期化が懸念されている。
There are concerns about the prolongation of droughts due to abnormal weather.
Verb 'kenen-sareru' (to be concerned).
干ばつ対策として、海水の淡水化技術が注目されている。
Desalination technology is attracting attention as a drought countermeasure.
Noun 'tansuika' (desalination).
干ばつによる経済損失は、数十億ドルに上ると推定される。
Economic losses due to drought are estimated to reach billions of dollars.
Verb 'noboru' (to reach/amount to).
干ばつは、生態系のバランスを根本から揺るがす。
Droughts shake the balance of the ecosystem from its foundations.
Verb 'yurugasu' (to shake).
干ばつに対するレジリエンスを高める政策が求められる。
Policies to increase resilience against drought are required.
Loanword 'rejiriensu' (resilience).
干ばつの常態化は、人類が直面する最も峻烈な課題の一つである。
The normalization of drought is one of the most severe challenges facing humanity.
Adjective 'shunretsu' (severe/harsh).
気候変動の文脈において、干ばつは単なる自然現象を超えた政治的問題である。
In the context of climate change, drought is a political issue that transcends mere natural phenomena.
Structure '...o koeta' (transcending).
干ばつがもたらす土壌の劣化は、不可逆的な損害を招きかねない。
Soil degradation caused by drought could lead to irreversible damage.
Auxiliary 'kanenai' (might happen - negative).
干ばつへの適応策は、多角的なアプローチを必要とする。
Adaptation measures for drought require a multilateral approach.
Adjective 'takakuteki' (multilateral/multifaceted).
干ばつという静かなる危機が、文明の存続を脅かしている。
The silent crisis known as drought is threatening the survival of civilization.
Apposition '...to iu' (called/known as).
干ばつ被害の最小化には、国際的な枠組みでの合意が不可欠だ。
An agreement within an international framework is essential to minimize drought damage.
Noun 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).
干ばつが惹起する社会動乱のメカニズムを解明する。
To elucidate the mechanism of social unrest provoked by drought.
Formal verb 'jakki-suru' (to provoke/cause).
干ばつは、水資源の分配を巡る倫理的問いを我々に突きつける。
Drought confronts us with ethical questions regarding the distribution of water resources.
Verb 'tsukitsukeru' (to thrust/confront).
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
자주 혼동되는 단어
Kassui is about the water supply/pipes; Kanbatsu is about the weather/nature.
Dansui is when the water is intentionally cut off (plumbing work, etc.).
Kansou is just 'dryness' (like dry skin or dry air in winter).
관용어 및 표현
혼동하기 쉬운
문장 패턴
사용법
Highly formal and serious. Not for minor dry spells.
Common in media, rare in daily chat.
Very strong with 'shinkoku' and 'tsuduku'.
- Writing 'kanbatsu' with the kanji for punishment (罰).
- Using it to describe a thirsty person.
- Confusing it with 'dansui' (scheduled water cut).
- Saying 'kanbatsu-suru' (it's not a suru-verb).
- Using it for a short period of dry weather.
팁
The 'Dry' Radical
Look at the '干' in '干ばつ'. It means 'dry'. You see it in 'hosu' (to dry clothes).
News Context
When you hear 'shinkoku na' on the news, listen for 'kanbatsu' right after it.
Related Disasters
Learn it alongside 'kouzui' (flood) as they are opposites.
Don't Overuse
Don't use it for a dry day. It sounds like you're talking about a national disaster.
Formal Reports
In reports, use 'kanbatsu higai' to describe the damage caused.
Audio Cues
The 'batsu' part is quick. Focus on the 'kan' to identify the word.
Kanji Recognition
Even if you can't write '魃', recognize the 'dry' radical in '干'.
Japan Context
Think of the 'Sameura Dam' when you want to remember drought in Japan.
Passive Usage
Master 'mimawareru' (to be struck by) to sound like a native reporter.
Exam Prep
This word is common in the 'Social Issues' section of the JLPT.
암기하기
어원
From Middle Chinese 旱魃 (hàn bá).
문화적 맥락
Ancient rituals involving dancing and fire to ask gods for rain.
Since Japan is a rice-based society, drought (kanbatsu) was historically the greatest threat to survival.
The Sameura Dam in Shikoku is a famous symbol of water shortages in Japan.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"最近、干ばつのニュースを見ましたか？ (Have you seen the news about the drought lately?)"
"干ばつで野菜の値段が上がるのは困りますね。 (It's a problem that vegetable prices rise due to drought, isn't it?)"
"あなたの国では干ばつが起こりますか？ (Do droughts occur in your country?)"
"干ばつ対策には何が一番効果的だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the most effective drought countermeasure?)"
"干ばつが続くと、私たちの生活はどう変わるでしょうか？ (If the drought continues, how will our lives change?)"
일기 주제
干ばつが起きたら、あなたはどうやって水を節約しますか？ (If a drought occurs, how will you save water?)
干ばつと気候変動の関係について自分の考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the relationship between drought and climate change.)
干ばつに苦しむ人々を助けるために、何ができるでしょうか。 (What can be done to help people suffering from drought?)
干ばつのニュースを聞いて、一番心配なことは何ですか？ (What is your biggest concern when you hear news about a drought?)
水の大切さについて、干ばつの視点から書いてください。 (Write about the importance of water from the perspective of a drought.)
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, it's about the lack of rain. A cold region can have a drought too if it doesn't rain or snow enough.
No, it's for a whole region or country. Use 'mizubusoku' for personal water shortages.
Usually '干ばつ' (mixed) or just kana. The full kanji '旱魃' is very rare.
'Hideri' is more about the sun being too strong; 'kanbatsu' is the scientific term for the lack of rain.
There is no fixed time, but usually several months or a whole season.
Yes, it usually appears at the N2 or N1 level.
Yes, it affects all living things in the ecosystem.
Scientists say climate change is making droughts more frequent and severe.
It means a 'great drought' or a massive-scale drought.
No, it is a noun. You must use it with verbs like 'okoru' or 'tsuduku'.
셀프 테스트 97 질문
/ 97 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
干ばつ is a high-level environmental term for drought. Use it to describe serious, large-scale water crises caused by climate, rather than just a dry day or a local plumbing issue.
- 干ばつ means 'drought', a serious lack of rain.
- It is a formal noun used in news and science.
- Commonly paired with verbs like '続く' and '起こる'.
- It leads to '水不足' (water shortage) and crop failure.
The 'Dry' Radical
Look at the '干' in '干ばつ'. It means 'dry'. You see it in 'hosu' (to dry clothes).
News Context
When you hear 'shinkoku na' on the news, listen for 'kanbatsu' right after it.
Related Disasters
Learn it alongside 'kouzui' (flood) as they are opposites.
Don't Overuse
Don't use it for a dry day. It sounds like you're talking about a national disaster.
예시
深刻な干ばつです。
관련 콘텐츠
Weather 관련 단어
気圧
A1기압. 대기의 압력으로, 일기 예보나 날씨로 인한 건강 상태를 말할 때 자주 사용됨.
晴天
A1'晴天'은 하늘이 맑고 날씨가 좋은 상태를 뜻하며, 주로 공식적인 자리나 일기 예보에서 쓰입니다.
気候
A1기후(気候)는 특정 지역에서 장기간에 걸쳐 나타나는 대기의 종합적인 상태를 말합니다.
曇天
A1구름이 하늘을 덮고 있는 상태. 흐린 날씨.
洪水
A1큰 비 등으로 강물이 불어나 넘치는 것. 또는 어떤 사물이 대량으로 밀려드는 것의 비유.
突風
A1갑자기 부는 강한 바람입니다. 돌풍 때문에 나무가 쓰러졌습니다.
湿度
A1습도. 공기 중에 포함된 수증기의 양이나 비율.
稲妻
A1폭풍우가 치는 동안 하늘에서 보이는 번개.
降雨
A1비가 내림. 또는 내린 비. 기상 보고나 공식적인 문서에서 주로 사용됨.
雨天
A1우천. 비가 오는 날씨나 비가 오는 날을 뜻하는 격식 있는 표현.
