大雨
ooame
The English phrase "heavy rain" is translated into Japanese as 大雨 (ooame).
大雨 is used to describe a large amount of rain falling in a short period of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 大 (big/large) and 雨 (rain).
Which one should you use?
While 大雨 means heavy rain, the term 豪雨 is a stronger term used for torrential or extremely heavy downpours, often used in weather warnings.
How do you pronounce it?
ooame
Did you know?
- The famous Japanese rainy season is called 梅雨 (tsuyu), which literally translates to 'plum rain'.
- The character 豪 in the more intense term 豪雨 can also mean 'extravagant' or 'luxurious', implying the rain is 'excessive' or 'rich' in its intensity.
- When describing the sound of heavy rain, Japanese speakers often use the onomatopoeia ザーザー (zā-zā) to mimic the continuous rushing of water.
Examples in context
- 昨夜は大雨だった。There was a heavy rain last night.This sentence is useful for describing the weather from last night using 大雨.Tatoeba #169638 by KK_kaku_, translation #244848 by CK
- 昨日は大雨だった。We had a heavy rain yesterday.This sentence is useful for describing the weather from yesterday using 大雨.Tatoeba #169961 by small_snow, translation #244525 by CK
- 大雨でダムが決壊した。The dam burst owing to the heavy rain.This sentence is useful for describing the cause of a dam bursting using 大雨.Tatoeba #11603938 by small_snow, translation #275563 by CK
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking at a cafe about the weather.
- 健太 Kentaさっきは大雨だったね。Sakki wa oame datta ne.It was heavy rain a little while ago, wasn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当に。びっくりしたよ。Hontou ni. Bikkuri shita yo.Really. It startled me.
- 健太 Kenta結衣さんは濡れなかった？Yui-san wa nurenakatta?Yui, did you not get wet?
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫、傘があったから。Daijoubu, kasa ga atta kara.I'm fine, because I had an umbrella.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
