Translation guide
Expresses the likelihood or warning signs of rain, from casual remarks to formal forecasts.
It looks like rain, so let's take an umbrella.
The sky is dark. It looks like rain.
A slightly more uncertain expression: 'it might rain'. Good for when you're not completely sure.
It might rain in the afternoon.
A somewhat literary or weather-forecast term meaning 'signs of rain' or 'threatening rain'. Often used in written Japanese.
It looks like rain tonight.
To state that rain is expected or there is a threat of rain in a more official or serious context.
To comment on the sky or atmosphere indicating rain is coming soon.
Emphasizes that rain seems about to start at any moment. Very natural for describing dark clouds.
The sky looks like it's about to rain.
Literally 'cloud movement that looks like rain will start'. A bit more descriptive.
雨が降りそう is casual and used in everyday conversation. 雨の恐れがある is formal and often used in warnings or news. Choose based on context.
It looks like rain, so let's bring in the laundry.
Please be on alert as there is a threat of heavy rain.
Rain is expected tonight.
The clouds look like rain, don't they?