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.
今日は雪が降っています。
It's snowing today.
雪が積もった。
Snow has piled up.
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'.
明日は雪が降るでしょう。
It will probably snow tomorrow.
外は雪が降っている。
It's snowing outside.
A more formal or technical term for snowfall, often used in weather forecasts.
今夜は降雪が予想されます。
Snowfall is expected tonight.
Referring to snow that has fallen and is lying on the ground.
Literally 'piled-up snow'. Used for snow that has accumulated.
積もった雪で道が滑りやすい。
The road is slippery because of the accumulated snow.
A formal term for snow cover or snow depth, used in weather reports.
積雪は30センチに達した。
The snow depth reached 30 centimeters.
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).
雪の景色が美しい。
The snowy scenery is beautiful.
A compound word meaning 'snowscape' or 'snowy landscape'.
窓から雪景色が見える。
I can see a snowscape from the window.
Common words for things associated with snow.
Snowman. Literally 'snow Daruma doll'.
子供たちは雪だるまを作った。
The children made a snowman.
Snow shoveling / snow removal. Also written as 雪掻き.
Specific words for different kinds of snow.
Powder snow. Light, dry snow.
スキー場は粉雪で最高だ。
The ski resort is great with powder snow.
Large, fluffy snowflakes. Literally 'peony snow'.
Sleet; a mix of rain and snow.
みぞれが降ってきた。
Sleet started to fall.
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.
Snowball fight.
雪合戦をしよう！
Let's have a snowball fight!
朝早く雪かきをした。
I shoveled snow early in the morning.
ぼたん雪が静かに降っている。
Large snowflakes are falling quietly.