気圧

きあつ

atmospheric pressure

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Understanding 気圧 (きあつ)

気圧 means "atmospheric pressure," referring to the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. It is a common term in weather reports and discussions about health effects related to weather changes.

Usage and Context

気圧 is often used when talking about weather conditions, especially changes that affect people's physical condition, such as headaches or dizziness. It is also relevant in contexts involving altitude, like flying or mountain climbing.

Common Collocations

  • 気圧が低い: low atmospheric pressure, often associated with bad weather or discomfort.
  • 気圧の変化: changes in atmospheric pressure, important for describing weather shifts.
  • 気圧計 (きあつけい): barometer, an instrument measuring atmospheric pressure.

Register and Nuance

This word is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in weather forecasts and medical discussions about weather-related symptoms.

Learner Tips

Be careful not to confuse 気圧 with 気温 (きおん, temperature). Both appear in weather contexts but refer to different physical phenomena. Using 気圧 correctly helps you talk about weather effects on health and environment more precisely.

Example Sentences

きょうはきあつがひくいので、あたまがいたくなるひともいます。

Today the atmospheric pressure is low, so some people get headaches.

きあつのへんかにびんかんなひとは、てんきがわるくなるまえにたいちょうをくずしやすいです。

People sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure tend to feel unwell before the weather worsens.

ひこうきはたかいところをとぶので、きあつがひくくなります。

Since airplanes fly at high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure becomes low.