If you find yourself in South Korea, it’s always handy to know how to express the weather in Korean. Today, we’ll focus on how to say “It is raining.” We will cover both formal and informal ways to convey this essential piece of information. So, grab your umbrella and let’s dive into the beautiful language of rain in Korean!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “It is Raining” in Korean
In formal settings, such as workplace conversations, academic contexts, or when talking to elders, it’s crucial to use the appropriate honorifics and respectful speech patterns. Here are a few ways to say “It is raining” formally:
- 비가 오고 있습니다 (Bi-ga ogo issseumnida).
This expression is the most commonly heard formal way to say “It is raining” in Korean. It is polite and widely accepted in formal situations. The honorific ending “-습니다” (sseumnida) adds a respectful tone. When you need to make a formal statement about the weather, this is your go-to phrase.
비가 내리고 있습니다 (Bi-ga naerigo issseumnida).
This phrase is slightly more descriptive and translates to “It is raining.” The verb 내리다 (naerida) means “to fall,” so it conveys the image of raindrops falling from the sky. It is safe to use this phrase when conversing formally about the rain.
현재 비가 오고 있습니다 (Hyeonjae bi-ga ogo issseumnida).
Adding the word “현재” (hyeonjae), which means “currently,” provides context about the ongoing rain. It’s a polite way to emphasize that it is presently raining. This phrase is especially useful when discussing the weather forecast or providing updates.
Informal Ways to Say “It is Raining” in Korean
Speaking informally with friends, peers, or younger individuals allows for a more casual and relaxed way of communication. Here are some informal ways to express rainfall in Korean:
- 비가 오고 있어 (Bi-ga ogo isseo).
This casual phrase is often used to say “It is raining” among friends or people in the same age group. By dropping the formal endings, it becomes more easygoing and friendly. Remember to use this form appropriately, depending on the context and relationship with the person you are speaking to.
비가 쏟아지고 있어 (Bi-ga ssodajigo isseo).
This expression is more descriptive and conveys the idea of rain pouring down. The verb “쏟아지다” (ssodajida) means “to pour.” Use this phrase when emphasizing that it is heavily raining. It adds a bit of vividness to your statement, making it more conversational.
비가 쨍비가 내리고 있어 (Bi-ga jjaengbi-ga naerigo isseo).
For a touch of regional flavor, especially in the Jeolla Province dialect, you can use this phrase to mean “It is drizzling.” The word “쨍비” (jjaengbi) refers specifically to a light rain or drizzle. Some variations exist across different regions, but this expression will be generally understood throughout Korea.
Tips and Examples:
To make sure you integrate these phrases seamlessly into your Korean conversations, here are some tips and additional examples to help you navigate the topic of rainfall:
Tips:
- Remember to adjust your speech level depending on the formality of the situation and the age or relationship with the person you are conversing with.
- If you want to add more context or specify the time of the rain, use words like “현재” (hyeonjae) for “currently” or “어제” (eoje) for “yesterday.”
- Observe the person you are talking to and follow their lead regarding speech level and tone.
- If you’re unsure about the weather, asking “비가 왔어요?” (Bi-ga wasseoyo?), meaning “Did it rain?” can be a useful conversation starter.
Examples:
Let’s explore some sample sentences to help you understand the usage and context of these phrases:
– 오늘은 비가 오고 있습니다. 우산을 가져가세요. (Oneureun bi-ga ogo issseumnida. Usaneul gajyeogaseyo.) – “It is raining today. Please take an umbrella.”
– 어제 비가 쏟아졌어. 집으로 달려갔어. (Eoje bi-ga ssodajyeosseo. Jibeuro dallyeogasseo.) – “Yesterday, it was pouring. I ran home.”
– 비가 오던데요? (Bi-ga odeondae-yo?) – “Did it rain?”
Expressing the weather is not only a practical skill but also allows you to connect with others and engage in small talk. With these phrases, you’ll feel more confident discussing the rain in Korean, be it formally or casually.
So, the next time the sky cries, whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, you’ll know how to convey the rainy weather like a true Korean. Stay dry, stay warm, and keep expanding your Korean language skills!
