1.
blizzard, snowstorm
A severe snowstorm with strong winds and heavy snowfall that reduces visibility.
Etymology
Combines 吹く (to blow) and 雪 (snow), literally "blowing snow." The rendaku changes ゆき to ぶき.
Common collocations
- 吹雪に遭う: to get caught in a blizzard
- 吹雪が荒れる: the blizzard rages
- 猛吹雪: fierce blizzard
- 吹雪で視界がない: no visibility due to a blizzard
Related weather terms
- 大雪: heavy snow (without necessarily strong wind)
- 暴風雪: blizzard (formal meteorological term, used in weather forecasts)
- 地吹雪: ground blizzard (wind-driven snow along the ground)
Usage
Common in weather reports and news about northern Japan, especially Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. Also used figuratively: 桜吹雪 (a shower of cherry blossoms).
Related Words
Related:
地吹雪 (ground-level blizzard)
Related:
暴風雪 (blizzard)
Compare:
粉雪 (powder snow, fine snow)
Compare:
砂嵐 (sandstorm)