雨粒
amatsubu
The Japanese word for "raindrop" is 雨粒 (amatsubu).
雨粒 is used to refer to an individual droplet of rainwater.
Meaning: droplet of rainwater (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This word is a compound of 雨 (rain) and 粒 (grain or droplet).
How do you pronounce it?
amatsubu
Did you know?
- The word 粒 is used in the phrase 粒立ち to describe the crispness or clarity of something, such as the distinct 'grains' of a high-quality image or sound.
- In Japan, the sight of raindrops on a leaf is sometimes linked to the concept of mono no aware, an appreciation of the fleeting and ephemeral nature of beauty.
- While 雨粒 is perfectly correct, in casual conversation or certain poetic contexts, people might use the onomatopoeic expression ぽつぽつ (potsu-potsu) to describe the sound or rhythm of raindrops falling.
Examples in context
- 窓に雨粒がついている。mado ni amatsubu ga tsuite iru.There are raindrops on the window.
- 大きな雨粒が落ちてきた。ookina amatsubu ga ochite kita.A large raindrop fell.
Example conversation
Two people are looking out a window during a light rain shower.
- 結衣 Yui窓にたくさんの雨粒がついているね。mado ni takusan no amatsubu ga tsuite iru ne.There are many raindrops on the window, isn't there?
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。きれいな雨粒だね。hontou da. kirei na amatsubu da ne.You're right. They are beautiful raindrops.
- 結衣 Yui健太君、あそこを見て。Kenta-kun, asoko o mite.Kenta, look over there.
- 健太 Kentaあ、大きな雨粒が落ちたよ。a, ookina amatsubu ga ochita yo.Ah, a large raindrop fell.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 雨粒, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
