In 15 Seconds
- A basic A1 phrase meaning 'bad weather' for daily use.
- Used as a social icebreaker or to explain canceled plans.
- Combines the adjective 'warui' (bad) with the noun 'tenki' (weather).
Meaning
This phrase is the most common way to say the weather is lousy. It covers everything from a gloomy gray sky to a heavy downpour.
Key Examples
3 of 6Greeting a neighbor in the morning
今日は悪い天気ですね。
It is bad weather today, isn't it?
Texting a friend about a canceled hike
悪い天気だから、行くのをやめよう。
The weather is bad, so let's not go.
A formal announcement at a train station
悪い天気のため、電車が遅れています。
Due to bad weather, the train is delayed.
Cultural Background
The 'Teru Teru Bozu' is a traditional handmade doll made of white paper or cloth that Japanese farmers began hanging outside their windows by a string. It is intended to bring good weather and stop the 'bad weather'. Seasonal greetings (shochu-mimai) often start with a comment on the weather. Even if the weather is 'bad,' acknowledging it is a sign of respect for the shared environment. The concept of 'Ame-otoko' (Rain Man). If a wedding or event has bad weather, people might jokingly blame a specific guest who is known for 'bringing the rain'.
The 'Ne' Particle
Always add 'ne' at the end when talking to someone about bad weather. It invites agreement and builds rapport.
Don't say 'Bad Sky'
Even if the clouds look 'bad,' always use the word 'tenki' (weather) instead of 'sora' (sky).
In 15 Seconds
- A basic A1 phrase meaning 'bad weather' for daily use.
- Used as a social icebreaker or to explain canceled plans.
- Combines the adjective 'warui' (bad) with the noun 'tenki' (weather).
What It Means
悪い天気 is a simple combination of two words. 悪い (warui) means bad. 天気 (tenki) means weather. Together, they describe any day that isn't sunny or pleasant. It is the direct opposite of いい天気 (ii tenki), which means good weather. You will hear this phrase constantly in Japan. It is the ultimate conversation starter for awkward silences.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone description. You can also use it to explain why you are late. In Japanese, adjectives like 悪い come before the noun. If you want to say 'The weather is bad,' say 天気が悪い (tenki ga warui). To say 'It is bad weather,' use 悪い天気です (warui tenki desu). It is very flexible and grammatically simple for beginners. Just remember to add desu at the end for politeness.
When To Use It
Use it when you meet someone in the hallway. Use it when you are looking out the window at work. It is perfect for small talk with neighbors or shopkeepers. If a planned picnic gets canceled, this is your go-to phrase. It works well in texts when you're complaining about the rain. It is a safe, neutral way to share a common feeling about the day.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for extreme natural disasters. If a typhoon is hitting, warui tenki feels too weak. In those cases, use specific words like arashi (storm). Also, avoid using it if someone loves the rain. Some people find rainy days cozy, so don't assume they agree! If you are in a very formal business ceremony, use akutenkō. That is the fancy version of 'inclement weather.'
Cultural Background
Japanese culture places a huge emphasis on the seasons. Weather isn't just a topic; it is a social lubricant. Starting a letter or a conversation with the weather is standard etiquette. It shows you are in tune with nature and your surroundings. There is even a concept of ame-otoko (rain man). This is a person who supposedly brings bad weather wherever they go. If it rains on your wedding, someone might joke you are an ame-onna!
Common Variations
The most common variation is 天気が悪い (tenki ga warui). This turns the phrase into a complete sentence. You might also hear 嫌な天気 (iya na tenki). This means 'unpleasant weather' and carries more personal annoyance. If you want to sound more casual with friends, just say tenki warui ne. Adding ne at the end invites the other person to agree with you.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral phrase suitable for almost any daily situation. Just remember that in Japanese, adjectives like `warui` don't need a 'to be' verb to describe a noun, but adding `desu` makes it polite.
The 'Ne' Particle
Always add 'ne' at the end when talking to someone about bad weather. It invites agreement and builds rapport.
Don't say 'Bad Sky'
Even if the clouds look 'bad,' always use the word 'tenki' (weather) instead of 'sora' (sky).
Laundry Talk
Complaining about not being able to dry laundry is the #1 most common follow-up to saying the weather is bad.
Examples
6今日は悪い天気ですね。
It is bad weather today, isn't it?
Adding 'ne' makes it a shared observation, which is very polite.
悪い天気だから、行くのをやめよう。
The weather is bad, so let's not go.
Using 'dakara' links the bad weather to the decision.
悪い天気のため、電車が遅れています。
Due to bad weather, the train is delayed.
In formal settings, 'no tame' explains the reason for the delay.
また悪い天気になったね。
It turned into bad weather again, huh?
Using 'ni natta' implies a change in the weather conditions.
僕が来ると、いつも悪い天気だね！
Whenever I come, it's always bad weather!
A classic self-deprecating joke about being a 'rain man'.
悪い天気が続くと、悲しくなります。
When bad weather continues, I get sad.
Expressing how the environment affects your internal mood.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'bad'.
{昨日|きのう}は{天気|てんき}が（ ）かったです。
The past tense of 'warui' is 'warukatta'.
Which is the most natural way to say 'Bad weather, isn't it?' to a neighbor?
Choose the best option:
'Warui tenki' is the standard collocation for bad weather.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {明日|あした}、{海|うみ}に{行|い}きませんか？ B: {明日|あした}は（ ）から、やめましょう。
Since B suggests canceling ('yamemashou'), 'bad weather' is the logical reason.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Types of {悪い|わるい}{天気|てんき}
Conditions
- • {雨|あめ} (Rain)
- • {風|かぜ} (Wind)
- • {曇|くも}り (Cloudy)
- • {雪|ゆき} (Snow)
Practice Bank
3 exercises{昨日|きのう}は{天気|てんき}が（ ）かったです。
The past tense of 'warui' is 'warukatta'.
Choose the best option:
'Warui tenki' is the standard collocation for bad weather.
A: {明日|あした}、{海|うみ}に{行|い}きませんか？ B: {明日|あした}は（ ）から、やめましょう。
Since B suggests canceling ('yamemashou'), 'bad weather' is the logical reason.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, if the snow is causing trouble or is unpleasant, it is considered 'warui tenki'.
Yes, it is neutral. To make it more polite, add 'desu ne'.
The opposite is 'ii tenki' ({いい|いい}{天気|てんき}).
Usually no. For a very hot day, people say 'atsui' (hot). 'Warui tenki' usually implies rain, wind, or clouds.
Use 'Tenki ga waruku natte kita' ({天気|てんき}が{悪|わる}くなってきた).
Related Phrases
{いい|いい}{天気|てんき}
contrastGood weather
{悪天候|あくてんこう}
specialized formAdverse weather
{雨天|うてん}
similarRainy weather
{荒天|こうてん}
specialized formStormy weather
