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.
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.
明日は降水確率が高いです。
There is a high chance of precipitation tomorrow.
この地域の年間降水量は多い。
The annual precipitation in this region is high.
A more descriptive way to say 'precipitation' by listing examples. Common in everyday speech when the technical term 降水 might sound too formal.
明日は雨や雪などが降るでしょう。
There will be precipitation tomorrow (rain, snow, etc.).
Specifically means 'amount of precipitation'. Used when discussing measurements.
When 'precipitation' specifically means rain, which is the default assumption in many contexts.
When precipitation is specifically snow.
The word for snow. Use this when the precipitation is frozen.
雪が積もっています。
Snow (precipitation) is accumulating.
When precipitation is a mix of rain and snow, or ice pellets.
Sleet, or rain mixed with snow. Common in winter.
みぞれが降っている。
It's sleeting (precipitation in the form of sleet).
Hail. Solid precipitation in the form of ice pellets, often associated with thunderstorms.
雹が降ってきた。
Hail started falling.
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.
明日の降水確率は70%です。
There is a 70% chance of precipitation tomorrow.
午後は降水が予想されます。
Precipitation is expected this afternoon.
降水量はミリメートルで表されます。
Precipitation is measured in millimeters.