1.
seasonal wind; monsoon
A wind that changes direction with the seasons. In Japan, this refers especially to the cold northwesterly winds from Siberia in winter and the warm southerly winds in summer.
Composed of 季節 (season) + 風 (wind). Refers to winds that blow from different directions depending on the season, driven by temperature differences between land and ocean.
Common collocations
- 冬の季節風: winter monsoon
- 夏の季節風: summer monsoon
- 季節風の影響: influence of seasonal winds
- 季節風が吹く: seasonal winds blow
Japan-specific
In winter, cold 季節風 blow from the northwest (from Siberia), picking up moisture over the Sea of Japan and depositing heavy snow on the 日本海側 (Sea of Japan coast). In summer, warm moist winds blow from the southeast, contributing to the humid climate.
Related words
- モンスーン: monsoon — the English loanword, used interchangeably in some contexts
- 偏西風: westerlies — a different wind system (prevailing westerly winds)
- 貿易風: trade winds
Related Words
Compare:
気流 (air current)