気圧(きあつ)

きあつ
noun
atmospheric pressure; air pressure
formalweatherscience
1. atmospheric pressure; air pressure; barometric pressure
The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. Used in weather forecasts and scientific contexts.
A low-pressure system is approaching.
Atmospheric pressure is low at the mountaintop.
I get headaches from changes in air pressure.
[Note: Weather-related headaches are common in Japan]
台風(たいふう)の中心(ちゅうしん)気圧(きあつ)は950ヘクトパスカルだ。
The typhoon's central pressure is 950 hectopascals.
The air pressure inside a plane is low, so bags of snacks sometimes puff up.

Common expressions

Usage

Weather maps give pressure in hPa (ヘクトパスカル). 気圧(きあつ) is also a unit, the standard atmosphere:

  • 1気圧(きあつ) = 1013.25 hPa (standard atmospheric pressure)

Related words