How to Say “Temperature” in Japanese | The Difference Between “温度 (おんど, ondo)” and “気温 (きおん, kion)

02.10.2022

“Temperature” in Japanese

Both vocabulary are often translated as “temperature” in English dictionaries.

Key Word温度気温
Hiraganaおんどきおん
Romaji Readingondokion
Meaningtemperaturetemperature

However, the Japanese meanings are slightly different.

According to some Japanese dictionaries,「温度おんど」means “the degree of hotness or coldness of an object.”

Key Word温度
Hiraganaおんど
Romaji Readingondo
Meaningthe degree of hotness or coldness of an object

It is used when we talk about “room temperature,” “water temperature,” “heat temperature,” and so on.

On the other hand,「気温きおん」means “air temperature.” However, this word doesn’t mean “room temperature.” Therefore, it actually means “outdoor temperature.”

Key Word気温
Hiraganaきおん
Romaji Readingkion
Meaningoutdoor temperature

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「温度」and「気温」Example Sentences

「温度」Example Sentences

Sentence私の部屋の設定温度は、２８度だ。
Romaji ReadingWatashi no heya no settei ondo wa nijūhachi-do da.
MeaningThe preset temperature in my room is 28 degrees. (Plain Form)
Sentence私の部屋の設定温度は、２８度です。
Romaji ReadingWatashi no heya no settei ondo wa nijūhachi-do desu.
MeaningThe preset temperature in my room is 28 degrees. (Polite Form)
Sentenceオフィスの温度はちょうどいい。
Romaji ReadingOfisu no ondo wa chōdoī.
MeaningThe office temperature is just right. (Spoken Languagem, Plain Form)
Sentenceオフィスの温度はちょうどいいです。
Romaji ReadingOfisu no ondo wa chōdoī desu.
MeaningThe office temperature is just right. (Spoken Languagem, Polite Form)
Sentence温度計が壊れている。
Romaji ReadingOndokei ga kowarete iru.
MeaningThe thermometer is broken. (Plain Form)
Sentence温度計が壊れています。
Romaji ReadingOndokei ga kowarete imasu.
MeaningThe thermometer is broken. (Polite Form)

「気温」Example Sentences

Sentence今日の東京の気温は、二十度だ。
Romaji ReadingKyō no Tōkyō no kion wa, nijū-do da.
MeaningToday’s temperature in Tokyo is 20 degrees Celsius. (Plain Form)
Sentence今日の東京の気温は、二十度です。
Romaji ReadingKyō no Tōkyō no kion wa, nijū-do desu.
MeaningToday’s temperature in Tokyo is 20 degrees Celsius. (Polite Form)
Sentence今朝の気温は低くて寒かった。
Romaji ReadingKesa no kion wa hikukute samukatta.
MeaningThe temperature this morning was low and cold. (Plain Form)
Sentence今朝の気温は低くて寒かったです。
Romaji ReadingKesa no kion wa hikukute samukatta desu.
MeaningThe temperature this morning was low and cold. (Polite Form)
Sentence気温が高いと、外での活動はできない。
Romaji ReadingKion ga takai to, soto de no katsudō wa dekinai.
MeaningWhen the temperature is high, we cannot do our activities outside.
(Plain Form)
Sentence気温が高いと、外での活動はできません。
Romaji ReadingKion ga takai to, soto de no katsudō wa dekimasen.
MeaningWhen the temperature is high, we cannot do our activities outside.
(Polite Form)
Sentenceここの気温は大阪より高い。
Romaji ReadingKoko no kion wa Ōsaka yori takai.
MeaningThe temperature here is higher than in Osaka. (Plain Form)
Sentenceここの気温は大阪より高いです。
Romaji ReadingKoko no kion wa Ōsaka yori takai desu.
MeaningThe temperature here is higher than in Osaka. (Polite Form)
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