Atatakai

When Japanese summer turns into autumn, the weather changes from scorching hot to simply warm – atatakai, in writing: 暖かい. Watch out though, because this character doesn’t apply to everything! We only use it when talking about gas, such as the air. While solid bodies and liquids (such as coffee or someone’s hand) can also be atatakai, a totally different character is used: 温かい.

For example: 秋の暖かい日に、アスナの温かい手に触れた。
Aki no atatakai hi ni, Asuna no atatakai te ni fureta.
On a warm autumn day, I touched Asuna’s warm hand.

Written by Amelia Lipko