Translation guide
In Japanese, 'snowfall' can be expressed as a noun for the event or the amount of snow, or as a verb phrase for snow falling. The most common and neutral term is 降雪 (kousetsu), but in everyday conversation, people often use 雪 (yuki) with context or verb phrases like 雪が降る (yuki ga furu).
Referring to the occurrence of snow falling, often in weather reports or general statements.
Formal and technical term for snowfall, commonly used in weather forecasts and news.
明日は降雪が予想されます。
Snowfall is expected tomorrow.
降雪のため、交通に影響が出ています。
Due to the snowfall, traffic is being affected.
A more conversational way to refer to the act of snow falling, literally 'the thing of snow falling'.
雪が降ることは珍しいです。
Snowfall is rare.
Specifically refers to the amount of snowfall, used in measurements and reports.
昨夜の降雪量は20センチでした。
Last night's snowfall was 20 centimeters.
Referring to the depth or quantity of snow that has fallen.
Refers to snow accumulation or snow cover, often used in weather reports to indicate how much snow is on the ground.
積雪は30センチに達しました。
The snowfall reached 30 centimeters.
A more literal and conversational way to say 'the amount of snow that fell'.
降った雪の量を測りました。
I measured the snowfall amount.
Describing the action of snow falling, often used in everyday conversation.
The most common way to say 'snow falls' or 'it snows'. Use this in casual and neutral contexts.
外は雪が降っています。
It's snowing outside.
昨日、雪が降りました。
It snowed yesterday.
Present progressive form, emphasizing ongoing snowfall.
雪が降っているから、傘をさそう。
It's snowing, so let's use an umbrella.
降雪 (kousetsu) refers to the falling of snow or the amount that falls, while 積雪 (sekisetsu) refers to the snow that has accumulated on the ground. In weather reports, 降雪量 is the amount of snowfall over a period, and 積雪深 is the depth of snow cover.
降雪量は10センチですが、積雪はすでに50センチあります。
The snowfall amount is 10 cm, but the snow cover is already 50 cm.
In casual speech, Japanese speakers rarely use the noun 'snowfall'. Instead, they use verb phrases like 雪が降る (yuki ga furu) or simply 雪 (yuki) with context. For example, 'We had a lot of snowfall' is naturally expressed as 雪がたくさん降った (yuki ga takusan futta).