Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “rain” in Japanese! Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, learning the language, or simply curious about Japanese culture, this guide will help you master the different expressions for rain. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “rain,” ensuring you have a complete understanding. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Rain” in Japanese
In formal settings or when speaking politely, there are several phrases you can use to describe rain. These expressions will come in handy when addressing people who are older or hold higher positions. Let’s explore them:
1. 雨 (あめ, ame)
雨 (あめ, ame) is the most common and straightforward word for “rain” in Japanese. It’s used in both formal and informal contexts. When the topic of rain arises, this is the word you should turn to. Here are a few examples:
- 今日は雨が降っています。(きょうはあめがふっています。Kyō wa ame ga futte imasu.)
(Today, it is raining.) - 雨の日には傘を持って行きましょう。(あめのひにはかさをもっていきましょう。Ame no hi ni wa kasa o motte ikimashō.)
(Let’s take an umbrella on rainy days.)
2. 降雨 (こうう, kōu)
降雨 (こうう, kōu) is a more formal term used to refer to “precipitation.” While it can specifically mean rain, it also encompasses the idea of any kind of falling water. Here’s an example to illustrate its usage:
本日の降雨量は２５ミリです。(ほんじつのこううりょうはにじゅうごミリです。Honjitsu no kōuryō wa nijūgo miri desu.)
(Today’s precipitation is 25 millimeters.)
Informal Ways to Say “Rain” in Japanese
Now, let’s explore some more casual expressions for rain. These phrases are commonly used in everyday conversations among friends, family, or peers. They bring a level of informality and camaraderie to your speech:
1. 雨降り (あめふり, amefuri)
雨降り (あめふり, amefuri) is a friendly term to describe “rainfall” or “rainy weather.” It’s often used in a more casual setting, among friends or colleagues. Here are a couple of examples:
- 今日は雨降りだから家でゆっくりしましょう。(きょうはあめふりだからいえでゆっくりしましょう。Kyō wa amefuri dakara ie de yukkuri shimashō.)
(It’s raining today, so let’s relax at home.) - 雨降りの日は散歩が気持ちいいですね。(あめふりのひはさんぽがきもちいいですね。Ame furi no hi wa sanpo ga kimochi ii desu ne.)
(Rainy days are perfect for a walk, aren’t they?)
2. ポツポツ雨 (ぽつぽつあめ, potsu potsu ame)
ポツポツ雨 (ぽつぽつあめ, potsu potsu ame) is an expressive phrase used to describe “drizzling” or “spitting rain.” It implies light raindrops falling intermittently. The repetition in the word adds an onomatopoeic touch. Here’s an example:
今日はポツポツ雨が降っているけど、散歩に行きたいな。(きょうはぽつぽつあめがふっているけど、さんぽにいきたいな。Kyō wa potsu potsu ame ga futte iru kedo, sanpo ni ikitai na.)
(It’s drizzling today, but I feel like going for a walk.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned the formal and informal ways to say “rain” in Japanese. Remember, 雨 (あめ, ame) is the go-to word for rain in most situations, while 降雨 (こうう, kōu) denotes a more formal context. On the other hand, 雨降り (あめふり, amefuri) and ポツポツ雨 (ぽつぽつあめ, potsu potsu ame) are more casual and evoke a sense of camaraderie. Practice using these phrases to improve your Japanese language skills and be better equipped for conversations about the weather!
