Japanese · Nature & Environment
雨
ame
Rain
Definition
Water falling from clouds in drops. Japan has a rainy season called 梅雨 (tsuyu) that occurs in June-July in most parts of the country.
Example
明日は雨が降りそうです。
It looks like it will rain tomorrow.
Etymology
The word '雨' (ame) originates from Old Japanese and is related to similar terms in other East Asian languages, like 'yǔ' in Chinese. Historically, it has retained its meaning associated with precipitation.
How & Where It’s Used
'雨' (ame) is used in both formal and informal contexts, and it appears frequently in spoken and written Japanese, particularly in weather reports. There are no strict regional variations, and it is universally understood across Japan.
Literary Heritage
Notable appearances can be found in traditional haiku poetry and literary works such as Matsuo Basho's poems, where rain often symbolizes renewal and transience.