Translation guide
Describes heavy rain that is blown by strong wind, often falling at an angle or with force. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with specific compound words or descriptive phrases.
To describe rain that is falling heavily and being blown by the wind, often at an angle.
Literally 'sideways-striking rain'. This is the most common and natural way to describe driving rain in Japanese. It vividly conveys rain blown horizontally by strong wind.
Driving rain is falling because of the typhoon.
The driving rain made the umbrella useless.
A noun meaning 'rain driven by wind'. It is less common in everyday speech but appears in weather forecasts and literary descriptions.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'heavy rain accompanied by wind'. It is more explanatory and less idiomatic, suitable for formal or written contexts.
横殴りの雨 is the go-to expression for driving rain in conversation and writing. It can be used with verbs like 降る (to fall) or 吹きつける (to blow against). Avoid literal translations like 運転する雨, which is nonsensical.
今夜は風が強く、吹き降りとなるでしょう。
Tonight it will be windy with driving rain.
Heavy rain accompanied by wind hit the coastal area.
The driving rain is lashing against the window.