Translation guide
Snow that remains on the ground after a snowfall, especially into spring, or patches of snow that persist in shaded areas.
To refer to snow that has not yet melted, often in late winter or early spring.
The most common and neutral term for lingering snow, especially patches left after the main snow has melted.
Snow that remains on the ground throughout the winter, forming a lasting base layer. Often used in regions with heavy snowfall.
今年は根雪になるのが早かった。
This year the lingering snow settled early.
To describe isolated patches of snow that survive into warmer weather, often in shady spots.
Literally 'remnants of snow', evoking a poetic sense of the last traces of winter. Suitable for descriptive or literary contexts.
北側の斜面に雪の名残が見られた。
Patches of lingering snow could be seen on the north-facing slope.
山にはまだ残雪がある。
There is still lingering snow on the mountain.
Specifically refers to snow that has melted in patches, leaving a mottled appearance. Somewhat literary.
野原に斑雪が残っていた。
Patches of lingering snow remained on the field.
Snow remaining on mountains in shapes that traditionally signal the start of farming seasons. Regional and cultural term.
雪形が現れると田植えの準備を始める。
When the lingering snow patterns appear, we start preparing for rice planting.