In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'clear sky day' for sunny weather.
- Used in daily small talk and weather reports.
- Pairs with 'shì' to describe today's weather.
Meaning
This phrase literally means 'clear sky day' and is the standard way to describe a sunny, cloudless day. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to cancel your meetings and head to the park.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking the morning weather
今天是个晴天。
Today is a sunny day.
Planning a weekend trip
如果是晴天，我们就去爬山。
If it's sunny, we will go mountain climbing.
A professional weather briefing
北京明天晴天，气温二十度。
It will be sunny in Beijing tomorrow, temperature 20 degrees.
Cultural Background
The character '晴' contains the 'sun' radical (日) on the left, visually representing its meaning. In Chinese pop culture, particularly music and cinema, '晴天' often serves as a metaphor for a 'crush' or the uncomplicated happiness of youth. It is the most common weather-related term used in daily greetings.
The 'Big' Secret
If you want to sound like a local, add '大' (dà) to make it '大晴天'. It shows you are genuinely excited about the sun!
Sunny vs. Hot
Remember that '晴天' only means the sky is clear. It doesn't mean it's warm. You can have a '晴天' in the middle of a freezing winter.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'clear sky day' for sunny weather.
- Used in daily small talk and weather reports.
- Pairs with 'shì' to describe today's weather.
What It Means
晴天 (qíngtiān) is your go-to word for sunshine. The first character 晴 means clear or fine weather. The second character 天 means sky or day. Together, they describe those perfect blue-sky days. It is simple, positive, and very common.
How To Use It
You usually pair it with the verb 'to be' which is 是 (shì). For example, you can say 今天是晴天 (Today is a sunny day). You can also use it as a noun to describe your favorite weather. It’s a building block for many basic conversations about your plans.
When To Use It
Use it when checking the weather forecast with friends. It is perfect for small talk in an elevator. Use it when planning a picnic or a hike. If you are texting someone to meet up, 晴天 is a great reason to go outside. It’s also used metaphorically in songs to describe a happy mood.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if there are a few clouds but mostly sun. In that case, use 多云 (cloudy). Avoid using it for 'hot' weather specifically. A day can be 晴天 but still very cold in winter. It describes the sky's clarity, not the temperature on your skin. Don't use it to describe a person's personality directly unless you're being poetic.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 晴天 is deeply associated with productivity and happiness. Many famous Mandopop songs, like Jay Chou's 'Sunny Day', use this term. It evokes nostalgia for school days and young love. Historically, farmers relied on 晴天 for harvests, making it a symbol of blessing. It’s almost always a 'good' word in any context.
Common Variations
You might hear 大晴天 (dà qíngtiān), which means a 'big' sunny day. This implies it is exceptionally bright and clear. Another variation is 晴朗 (qínglǎng), which is a bit more formal and descriptive. In weather reports, you might just hear 晴 (qíng) for brevity. If the sun is out after rain, people feel especially lucky.
Usage Notes
Use '晴天' as a noun. Avoid saying '很晴天'; instead, use '是个晴天' or '天气很晴朗'. It is safe for all social situations.
The 'Big' Secret
If you want to sound like a local, add '大' (dà) to make it '大晴天'. It shows you are genuinely excited about the sun!
Sunny vs. Hot
Remember that '晴天' only means the sky is clear. It doesn't mean it's warm. You can have a '晴天' in the middle of a freezing winter.
Jay Chou Fans
If you mention '晴天' to a Chinese person under 40, they might start singing a Jay Chou song. It's one of the most famous pop songs in China.
Examples
6今天是个晴天。
Today is a sunny day.
A standard way to state the weather.
如果是晴天，我们就去爬山。
If it's sunny, we will go mountain climbing.
Using the phrase to set a condition for plans.
北京明天晴天，气温二十度。
It will be sunny in Beijing tomorrow, temperature 20 degrees.
Standard factual reporting style.
哇，大晴天！出来玩吗？
Wow, such a sunny day! Want to come out and play?
Adding 'dà' (big) for emphasis in a text.
又是晴天，我快要被晒化了。
Another sunny day, I'm about to melt.
Using a positive word in a slightly dramatic, funny way.
愿你的心里永远是晴天。
May your heart always be a sunny day.
A poetic and emotional use of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the weather description.
我不喜欢下雨，我喜欢___。
The speaker says they don't like rain (下雨), so they likely prefer sunny days (晴天).
Complete the sentence to describe today's weather.
今天天气很好，是个___。
Since the weather is 'very good' (很好), '晴天' is the most logical description.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Sunny'
Used with friends or in texts
大晴天！
Standard daily conversation
今天是晴天。
Written reports or literature
天气晴朗。
When to use 晴天
Small Talk
今天真晴天啊！
Travel Planning
晴天去海边。
Social Media
打卡晴天。
Song Lyrics
心里的晴天。
Practice Bank
2 exercises我不喜欢下雨，我喜欢___。
The speaker says they don't like rain (下雨), so they likely prefer sunny days (晴天).
今天天气很好，是个___。
Since the weather is 'very good' (很好), '晴天' is the most logical description.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt literally means 'clear sky day'. '晴' (qíng) means clear and '天' (tiān) means day or sky.
Not directly like an adjective. You would say they are like a '晴天' (sunny day) to imply they are cheerful, but it's more poetic than literal.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend without any issues.
The most common way is 今天是晴天 (Jīntiān shì qíngtiān) or simply 天气晴 (Tiānqì qíng) in a report.
晴天 is a noun (sunny day), while 晴朗 (qínglǎng) is an adjective (sunny/clear). 晴朗 sounds a bit more literary.
Yes, if you are making small talk about the weather before the meeting starts. It is perfectly polite.
The most direct opposite is 阴天 (yīntiān), which means a cloudy or overcast day.
The left part 日 represents the sun, which is the source of a clear, sunny day. It helps you remember the meaning!
Yes, like 晴天霹雳 (qíngtiān pīlì), which means 'a thunderbolt from a clear sky'—something totally unexpected and shocking.
All the time! Often accompanied by a sun emoji ☀️ to show they are enjoying the day.
No, that's a common mistake. Since 晴天 is a noun, you can't put 'very' (很) directly in front of it. Say 天气很晴朗 instead.
No, but because it's the preferred weather for outings, people often associate it with free time and fun.
Related Phrases
阴天
Cloudy/Overcast day
出太阳
The sun is coming out
晴朗
Sunny and clear (adjective)
雨过天晴
The sky clears after rain (also used for problems being solved)
