Translation guide
Expresses the likelihood or warning signs of rain, from casual remarks to formal forecasts.
To say that it looks like it might rain, or rain seems likely.
The most common and natural way to say 'it looks like rain' or 'it seems like it will rain'. Uses the そう form of the verb 降る (to fall).
雨が降りそうだから、傘を持って行こう。
It looks like rain, so let's take an umbrella.
空が暗いね。雨が降りそう。
The sky is dark. It looks like rain.
To state that rain is expected or there is a threat of rain in a more official or serious context.
Formal expression meaning 'there is a risk/threat of rain'. Common in weather warnings or official announcements.
明日は大雨の恐れがあります。
There is a threat of heavy rain tomorrow.
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.
今にも雨が降り出しそうな空だ。
The sky looks like it's about to rain.
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.
雨が降りそうだから洗濯物を取り込もう。
It looks like rain, so let's bring in the laundry.
大雨の恐れがあるため、警戒してください。
Please be on alert as there is a threat of heavy rain.
A slightly more uncertain expression: 'it might rain'. Good for when you're not completely sure.
午後は雨が降るかもしれない。
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.
今夜は雨模様です。
It looks like rain tonight.
Means 'rain is expected'. Used in weather forecasts.
今夜は雨が予想されます。
Rain is expected tonight.
Literally 'cloud movement that looks like rain will start'. A bit more descriptive.
雨が降り出しそうな雲行きだね。
The clouds look like rain, don't they?