1.
north wind; cold wind blowing from the north
A wind blowing from the north, associated with cold weather, especially in winter. Also used figuratively for harsh or cold treatment.
北風が強い。
The north wind is strong.
北風が吹いて、とても寒かった。
The north wind was blowing and it was very cold.
「北風と太陽」はイソップ物語の有名な話だ。
"The North Wind and the Sun" is a famous Aesop's fable.
A concrete weather term that also carries cultural and literary associations. In Japanese, 北風 evokes winter cold and harshness.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 北風が吹く: the north wind blows
- 冷たい北風: cold north wind
- 北風と太陽: the North Wind and the Sun (Aesop's fable)
WIND DIRECTIONS:
- 北風: north wind
- 南風: south wind
- 東風/{ひがしかぜ}: east wind
- 西風: west wind
CULTURAL NOTE:
The fable of 北風と太陽 (The North Wind and the Sun) is well known in Japan and is often referenced in discussions about persuasion versus force. The north wind represents harshness, while the sun represents warmth and gentleness.