In Japan, we have an abundance of words to describe rain. Most Japanese people can probably come up with over ten expressions for rain off the top of their heads. Personally, I’m not a fan of rain, but I absolutely love the various ways we describe it. I find these expressions truly beautiful.
Every language reflects the nature and lifestyle of its country. The fact that Japan has so many words for rain stems from our deep connection to the natural world and a uniquely Japanese sensitivity to beauty. Our country has a humid climate, and throughout the seasons, we experience many different kinds of rain. For example, we have 氷雨 (hisame), which means “ice rain,” for cold winter rain, 時雨 (shigure) for brief showers in late autumn to early winter, and 黒雨 (koku-u), or “black rain,” for heavy, dark downpours. Each word is tied to a specific time or mood.
Japanese culture is rooted in a delicate appreciation for nature and the changing seasons. We find beauty even in the most ordinary moments of daily life. The sound of rain, the way it falls, and the atmosphere it creates are all nuances we carefully observe, leading to a rich vocabulary. For example, 夕立 (yuudachi) refers to a sudden summer downpour, while 小糠雨 (konuka-ame) describes a fine, quiet drizzle. Each word captures not only the scene but also the feelings and emotions evoked by that particular type of rain.
In our literary tradition, from ancient times, rain has played a significant role in poetry. In Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest anthology of poems, you can already find the term 五月雨 (samidare), which refers to the long rains of the fifth month (now June). The poetic expressions of rain have permeated our culture for centuries. One of my favorite examples is 洒涙雨 (sairui-u), which translates to “tear rain.” It evokes the image of quiet rain falling like tears, often reflecting moments of sorrow, loss, or parting. In this expression, tears and rain merge, creating a powerful symbol of human emotion.
Reflecting on these beautiful rain expressions, even someone like me, who dislikes rain, can’t help but feel moved. The power of language lies in its ability to deepen our connection to the everyday world around us. Rain, too, becomes a reminder of the Japanese sensibility that cherishes each passing moment. I hope this inspires you to look at the nature and words around you with fresh eyes.
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