Translation guide
The English word 'snow' refers to frozen precipitation. In Japanese, the most common word is 雪 (yuki). This guide covers how to talk about snow as weather, falling snow, snow on the ground, and related expressions.
Referring to snow in general, as a type of weather or the white substance itself.
The standard word for snow. Used for snow as a substance, weather condition, or snow on the ground.
Describing the action of snow falling.
The most common way to say 'it snows' or 'snow falls'. Use 降っている for 'it is snowing'.
Referring to snow that has fallen and is lying on the ground.
Literally 'piled-up snow'. Used for snow that has accumulated.
Describing a place or scene that has snow.
Attach 雪の to a noun to mean 'snowy' or 'snow-covered'. For example, 雪の日 (snowy day).
Common words for things associated with snow.
Specific words for different kinds of snow.
雪 (yuki) is the everyday word for snow. 降雪 (kousetsu) is a formal term for snowfall, often used in forecasts. 積雪 (sekisetsu) refers specifically to snow accumulation or snow depth, also formal.
To say 'heavy snow', use 大雪 (おおゆき). For 'light snow', use 小雪 (こゆき). These are common in weather talk.
Snow has piled up.
It will probably snow tomorrow.
It's snowing outside.
A more formal or technical term for snowfall, often used in weather forecasts.
Snowfall is expected tonight.
The road is slippery because of the accumulated snow.
A formal term for snow cover or snow depth, used in weather reports.
The snow depth reached 30 centimeters.
The snowy scenery is beautiful.
A compound word meaning 'snowscape' or 'snowy landscape'.
I can see a snowscape from the window.
Snowman. Literally 'snow Daruma doll'.
The children made a snowman.
Snowball fight.
Let's have a snowball fight!
Snow shoveling / snow removal. Also written as 雪掻き.
I shoveled snow early in the morning.
Powder snow. Light, dry snow.
The ski resort is great with powder snow.
Large, fluffy snowflakes. Literally 'peony snow'.
Large snowflakes are falling quietly.
Sleet; a mix of rain and snow.
Sleet started to fall.
The snow is melting.