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For Life
2006.07.21(Review of 2001.09.25 edition)

Today's WordMaster is about a rather unwelcome guest from the Pacific that makes frequent visits to Japan's shores from summer to autumn!

Today's LessonCATEGORY: 混同しやすい言葉CATEGORY: ジャパニーズイングリッシュ
HURRICANE vs. TYPHOON   ハリケーン vs. 台風

Explanation

  • A hurricane is a storm with very strong circular winds, such as those that cause so much damage in the West Indies and southeastern United States.

    When a hurricane occurs in the West Pacific - such as those that affect Japan - we usually call it a typhoon.

    Be Careful[1]! Although typhoons are given NUMBERS in Japan, hurricanes are given PEOPLE'S NAMES in the U.S.; for example, Hurricane Albert or Hurricane Betsy.

    Be Careful[2]! Note that there is an “n” - which is pronounced - at the end of the word typhoon.
  • hurricane は、非常に強い大気の渦巻きを伴う暴風のことで、西インド諸島やアメリカ南東部に大きな被害をもたらすことがあります。

    日本に影響を及ぼすような、西太平洋で発生する hurricane のことを、普通、typhoon と呼びます。

    注意[1]:日本では台風に番号をつけますが、アメリカではハリケーンに人の名前をつけます。例えば、hurricane Albert、hurricane Betsyなどです。

    注意[2]:typhoon の語尾には “n” がつき、この “n” は発音します。

examples

  1. (fictional weather report)
    Hurricane Lisa is expected to reach the south coast of Florida by noon tomorrow. Winds along the coast are already over 50 miles per hour in some areas.
  2. Katrina was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded.
  3. This part of Southeast Asia is hit by typhoons regularly at this time of year.
  4. September is peak typhoon season in Japan.
  5. During a typhoon, waves often get so high that they can damage or sink even very large ships.

英会話レッスンMay all your days be peaceful and the wind be always at your back!