Japanese Onomatopoeia to Describe Rain
Table of Contents
1. Onomatopoeias used for rain
2. What is an onomatopoeia?
3. Onomatopoeias to Describe Rain
4. Summary
5. Similar Articles
6. Comment
Q: It seems like there are so many onomatopoeias used for rain that I can’t keep track of them all.
A: In Japan, there is a period called “梅雨,” or the rainy season, which generally lasts from late May to July, except in Hokkaido.
Because it rains a lot during this time, there are many onomatopoeias to describe the way the rain falls and the sounds it makes.
Today, I’d like to introduce some onomatopoeias related to rain.
What is an onomatopoeia?
An onomatopoeia is a word that expresses sounds or the state of things.
The Japanese language has a rich variety of onomatopoeias, which, unlike those in foreign languages, can express not only sounds but also people’s emotions and the state of a situation.
Onomatopoeias are easy to understand intuitively and can broaden the range of expression. However, since many of them sound quite similar, they might be difficult for non-native speakers to grasp.
Onomatopoeias to Describe Rain
These are used to accurately describe the way rain falls and the sounds it makes. While expressions may vary slightly by region, here are some common examples.
[ぽつぽつ]
It describes the sound of small raindrops hitting objects or the way rain falls.
It is often used for the beginning of rain.
[Examples]
雨がぽつぽつ降り始めました。
The rain has started to fall in small drops.
昼頃から雨がぽつぽつ降っています。
It has been raining a little since around noon.
[ぱらぱら]
It describes the sound of raindrops hitting leaves or window glass, as well as the way light rain falls.
This also conveys the image of small raindrops.
[Examples]
窓ガラスに雨が当たる音がぱらぱらと聞こえます。
The sound of rain hitting the window glass can be heard as a light patter.
まだぱらぱら雨だから、今のうちに早く帰ろう。
It’s still just a light drizzle, so let’s hurry home while we can.
[ぽたぽた]
It describes the sound of raindrops continuously making noise or the sound of rain falling into puddles. The raindrops are imagined to be medium to large.
[Examples]
屋根からぽたぽたと雨が落ちてきます。
The rain is dripping from the roof with a plop-plop sound.
ぽたぽたと雨の音が聞こえます。
I can hear the sound of rain dripping.
[ざーっ]
It describes the sound of rain suddenly starting to fall or the way a heavy downpour occurs.
The raindrops are imagined to be large, and this is often used at the beginning of a heavy rain.
[Examples]
突然、ざーっと雨が降り出しました。
Suddenly, it started pouring rain heavily.
夕立がざーっと降ってきました。
A sudden evening shower started pouring down.
[ざあざあ]
It describes the sound of rain falling heavily or the way a heavy downpour occurs.
This is often used not at the beginning, but when the heavy rain has been continuing for a while.
[Examples]
朝から雨がざあざあと降っています。
It has been raining heavily since morning.
ざあざあ降りの雨ですね。
It’s a heavy downpour, isn’t it?
[しとしと]
It describes the sound of light rain falling continuously or the calm nature of rain that is not particularly unpleasant.
The raindrops are small, and it is used for rain that has been ongoing rather than just starting.
[Examples]
しとしとと小雨が降り続いています。
It has been drizzling continuously.
何日かしとしと雨が続いています。
It has been drizzling for several days.
[じとじと]
It describes the feeling of high humidity and discomfort, as well as the damp and clammy state of the rain or the environment.
[Examples]
朝からじとじとと雨が降り続いています。
It has been raining steadily since morning.
梅雨の時期はじとじとと雨が降り続きます。
During the rainy season, it rains persistently.
Summary
How was it? Interestingly, just with onomatopoeia, you can tell the size of the raindrops, whether the rain is uncomfortable, and if it’s just starting or has been continuing for a while.
Additionally, the word “土砂降り,” which represents heavy rain, comes from the onomatopoeia “どしゃどしゃ,” which describes the way the rain falls. However, in the Kansai region, they call it “じゃじゃ降り,” showing a regional difference.
It may sound not easy since they all sound similar, but they are commonly used in Japanese weather forecasts. Please try using these onomatopoeia when describing the sound and appearance of rain.
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Japanese onomatopoeia is so complicated. How can I memorize it?
Focus on learning them in context! Try using examples from daily conversations, manga, or anime to see how they are applied naturally. Practice and repetition will make them stick.
よく覚えます！
どれもよく似ていますが、がんばって覚えてください☺︎