1.
wind exposure; how the wind hits
The degree to which a place is exposed to wind. Describes the physical force of wind striking something.
この場所は風当たりが強い。
This spot is very exposed to the wind.
高台にあるので風当たりが強く、冬は寒い。
Being on a hill, it's very exposed to the wind and cold in winter.
木を植えて風当たりを和らげた。
We planted trees to reduce the wind exposure.
2.
criticism; pressure; hostile treatment
Figurative usage meaning the criticism or negative pressure directed at someone, especially from society, the public, or an organization.
最近、会社への風当たりが強い。
The company has been facing a lot of criticism lately.
政治家への風当たりが厳しくなっている。
The pressure on politicians is growing harsher.
不祥事の後、世間からの風当たりが強くなり、社長は辞任に追い込まれた。
After the scandal, public criticism intensified, and the company president was forced to resign.
Literally "wind hitting" — from 風 (wind) + 当たり (hitting/exposure). The figurative sense (criticism) is extremely common and may be more frequent than the literal one.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 風当たりが強い (strongly exposed to wind; facing harsh criticism)
- 風当たりが厳しい (criticism is severe)
- 世間の風当たり (public criticism)
USAGE NOTES:
Almost always paired with 強い or 厳しい. The figurative usage is natural in news, business, and political contexts. Note that 風当たりが弱い (weak wind exposure) exists for the literal sense but is rarely used figuratively.