気流

きりゅう

atmospheric current

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 気流 (きりゅう)

気流 refers specifically to the movement or flow of air in the atmosphere. It is a technical term often used in meteorology, aviation, and geography contexts. When speakers use 気流, they usually imply natural air currents that can affect weather patterns or flight conditions.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 気流 in discussions about weather changes, airplane turbulence, or natural phenomena involving air movement. For example, pilots and meteorologists frequently talk about 気流 to describe how air moves at different altitudes.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 強い気流 (つよいきりゅう): strong air current, often related to turbulence or storm conditions.
  • 気流の変化 (きりゅうのへんか): changes in air currents, important in weather forecasting.
  • 山の気流 (やまのきりゅう): mountain air currents, which tend to be complex and unpredictable.

Usage Notes

気流 is a noun and is typically used in formal or scientific contexts rather than casual conversation. Learners should avoid confusing 気流 with 風 (かぜ), which means wind and is more general and commonly used in everyday speech. 気流 emphasizes the flow or current aspect of air movement rather than just the wind itself.

Example Sentences

ひこうきはつよいきりゅうにはいってゆれた。

The airplane entered a strong air current and shook.

きりゅうのへんかがてんきにおおきなえいきょうをあたえる。

Changes in air currents have a big impact on the weather.

やまのきりゅうはふくざつでよそくがむずかしい。

Mountain air currents are complex and difficult to predict.