雨
yǔ/y²¹⁴/
In Chinese, 雨 (yǔ) (yu) refers to rain.
The word refers to water falling in drops from the clouds in the sky. 小雨 (xiǎoyǔ) can mean both 'light rain' and can be used as a common given name (Xiao Yu). Additionally, 于 (yù) is often used as a surname.
What does it mean word for word?
The character 雨 consists of the radical 雨 (rain) which is a semantic component indicating weather-related meanings.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is yǔ and the IPA is /y²¹⁴/.
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, rain is often a symbol of wealth and abundance because it is essential for agriculture. This makes 雨 a popular and auspicious choice for given names.
- In ancient China, the 'Dragon King' 龙王 was believed to control 雨, and people would offer sacrifices to him to end droughts.
- The character 雨 began as a pictograph showing a cloud with drops of rain falling from it. The top horizontal stroke was added to the design later.
Examples in context
- 你是小雨嗎？Are you Xiao-yu?This sentence is useful for seeing how 雨 can be part of a name in a question.Tatoeba #8767523 by xjjAstrus, translation #10251080 by bekindtoall
- 小雨，他是胡安，我和胡安是朋友。Xiao Yu, this is Juan, and I am Juan's friend.This sentence shows how to use 雨 when introducing someone.Tatoeba #6149241 by xjjAstrus, translation #7799682 by sharris123
- 我叫小雨。My name is Xiao Yu.This sentence demonstrates how to use 雨 when stating a name.Tatoeba #6142020 by xjjAstrus, translation #7242769 by RoyalBee
- 你知道吗？我们今天去爬山呀！Did you know? We're going hiking today!
- 哟，你看那边有只狗！Hey, look over there, there's a dog!
- 今天晚上会下雨吗？Will it rain tonight?
- 他的名字是于书华。His name is Yu Shuhua.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking out the window at a storm.
- 梓涵 Zihan外面下雨了。Wàimiàn xià yǔ le.It is raining outside.
- 志强 Zhiqiang雨很大吗？Yǔ hěn dà ma?Is the rain heavy?
- 梓涵 Zihan雨一直在下。Yǔ yìzhí zài xià.The rain keeps falling.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那我们别出去了。Nà wǒmen bié chūqù le.Then let's not go out.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 雨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 雨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
