Translation guide
The English word "precipitation" refers to any form of water falling from the sky, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 降水 (こうすい), but depending on context, more specific words like 雨 (あめ) for rain or 雪 (ゆき) for snow are used. This guide covers how to express the concept naturally in Japanese, from general meteorological terms to everyday conversation.
precipitation (general)
Use in weather forecasts or scientific contexts.
Referring to precipitation as a weather phenomenon, often in forecasts or scientific contexts.
The standard word for precipitation in weather reports and scientific contexts. It encompasses all forms: rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc.
There is a high chance of precipitation tomorrow.
A more descriptive way to say 'precipitation' by listing examples. Common in everyday speech when the technical term 降水 might sound too formal.
Specifically means 'amount of precipitation'. Used when discussing measurements.
When 'precipitation' specifically means rain, which is the default assumption in many contexts.
The general word for rain. In everyday conversation, if you mean rain, just say 雨.
When precipitation is specifically snow.
The word for snow. Use this when the precipitation is frozen.
When precipitation is a mix of rain and snow, or ice pellets.
Sleet, or rain mixed with snow. Common in winter.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers rarely use 降水. They specify the type: 雨, 雪, etc. Use 降水 mainly in formal or scientific contexts, like weather forecasts.
Saying 降水が降る sounds redundant and unnatural. 降水 already implies falling, so just say 降水がある or 降水が予想される.
There is a 70% chance of precipitation tomorrow.
The annual precipitation in this region is high.
There will be precipitation tomorrow (rain, snow, etc.).
Precipitation is measured in millimeters.
雨が降りそうです。
It looks like rain (precipitation).
Snow (precipitation) is accumulating.
It's sleeting (precipitation in the form of sleet).
Hail. Solid precipitation in the form of ice pellets, often associated with thunderstorms.
Hail started falling.
午後は降水が予想されます。
Precipitation is expected this afternoon.