雨水
also: うすい
Meanings
rainwater; rain water
Refers to water that falls as rain, often in contrast to tap water or other water sources. Common in everyday contexts.
I collect rainwater and use it to water the garden.
Rainwater runs down the gutter.
"rain water" solar term (approx. Feb 19)
Only with reading うすい
The second solar term in the traditional East Asian calendar, marking the transition from snow to rain. Read うすい in this context.
See also: 二十四節気
Around the time of the 'rain water' solar term, snow begins to turn to rain.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に雨水がたまるrainwater collects/pools in a place
Rainwater had collected in the bucket in the yard.
- 雨水の頃around the time of the Usui solar term (mid-to-late February)
Around the time of Usui, snow starts turning to rain.
- 雨水を集めるto collect rainwater
This house collects rainwater from the roof and uses it to water the garden.
- 雨水を利用するto make use of rainwater
In some areas, people use rainwater to save on household water use.