猛暑（もうしょ、mousho）
- heat wave

The Japanese word 猛暑 (もうしょ) directly translates to "intense heat" or "severe heat." It refers to a period of extremely hot weather, typically during the summer months. It implies a level of heat that is significantly higher than average and can be considered dangerous or uncomfortable. This term describes a situation, not a specific temperature. It's about the intensity and impact of the heat.

⚫︎ 今年の夏は記録的な猛暑だった。 Translation: This summer was a record-breaking period of intense heat. ⚫︎ 猛暑の中、熱中症に注意してください。 Translation: Please be careful of heatstroke during the intense heat. ⚫︎ 猛暑の影響で、電力需要が急増した。 Translation: Power demand increased dramatically due to the intense heat.

You can use 猛暑 in various contexts when discussing hot weather. ⚫︎ It is frequently used in news reports, weather forecasts, and casual conversations. ⚫︎ It emphasizes the severity and intensity of the heat, indicating potential health risks or lifestyle adjustments needed. ⚫︎ You can use it to describe the overall weather condition during a specific period.

⚫︎ The word is typically written with the kanji 猛暑 (もうしょ). ⚫︎ Hiragana: もうしょ. ⚫︎ There are no other standard ways to write this word. ⚫︎ Okurigana (the suffix hiragana) is not used. ⚫︎ The word 猛暑 itself does not change its form through conjugations.

⚫︎ 酷暑 (こくしょ) - Extreme heat, very similar in meaning. ⚫︎ 炎暑 (えんしょ) - Scorching heat. ⚫︎ 暑さ (あつさ) - Heat, but can be less intense than 猛暑.

⚫︎ The opposite of 猛暑 would be terms describing cold weather: ⚫︎ 寒波 (かんぱ) - Cold wave. ⚫︎ 寒さ (さむさ) - Cold. ⚫︎ There is no direct antonym, as 猛暑 describes a specific condition of excessive heat.

今年の夏は、猛暑でエアコンの使用が増えました。 ・Translation: This summer, the use of air conditioners increased due to the intense heat. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 猛暑 can be used to explain a consequence of the hot weather.

猛暑が続くと、体力が消耗しやすくなります。 ・Translation: If the intense heat continues, it becomes easier to become exhausted. ・Explanation: This sentence explains a potential health effect of prolonged 猛暑.

⚫︎ 猛 (もう) means "fierce," "violent," or "intense." ⚫︎ 暑 (しょ) means "heat" or "hot weather." ⚫︎ The combination signifies intense or severe heat. ⚫︎ This combination directly reflects the nature of the weather being described.