梅雨（つゆ） Rainy Season
In Japan, the rainy season typically occurs between June and early July, and we often hear the word 梅雨 (つゆ) in many situations around that time. Since we have lots of interesting words related to rain (雨, あめ), let’s find out how to use them in real-life contexts!☔️🐸
梅雨（つゆ）
Rainy season
The kanji 梅 (うめ, ume) meaning "plum" is used in 梅雨 (tsuyu) because it coincides with the time when plums ripen, typically around the same period as the rainy season.
Example Sentence
A:最近(さいきん)めっちゃ雨(あめ)降(ふ)ってない？
It's been raining quite a lot recently, hasn't it?B: ね〜テレビのニュースで見(み)たけど梅雨(つゆ)入(い)りしたらしいよ
Yeah, I heard on the TV news that it seems we're officially in the rainy season now.
土砂降り（どしゃぶり）
Heavy rain
土砂 (どしゃ,dosha) means "falling earth and sand," . This word vividly portrays the image of rain pouring down intensely, often accompanied by soil and debris being washed along with it.
Example Sentence
A: 明日(あした)の天気(てんき)土砂降り(どしゃぶり)だって。仕事(しごと)行(い)きたくないな〜
The weather forecast says it’s going to be a downpour tomorrow. I don't want to go to work.B: ほんとだよね〜 I know, right?
小雨（こさめ）
light rain, drizzle
Example Sentence
A: これくらいの小雨（こさめ）なら、すぐ止（や）みそうだね
This light rain should stop soon, I think.B:うん、これくらいなら傘（かさ）差（さ）さなくていいかな
Yeah, I can go without an umbrella in this kind of rain.
ビニール傘（かさ）
plastic umbrella
ビニール=vinyl , typically refers to plastic items ( e.g. ビニール袋plastic bag)
Example Sentence
A: わ〜雨（あめ）降（ふ）ってるけど今日（きょう）傘（かさ）持（も）ってないよ！
Oh no, it’s raining but I don’t have an umbrella today!B:下（した）のコンビニでビニール傘（がさ）買（か）えば？
Why don't you buy a plastic umbrella at the convenience store downstairs?
かっぱ
rain coat
This word “かっぱ” is originated from Japanese folklore “kappa”, mythical water creature.
Example Sentence
A: 雨だけど自転車で行きたいな〜
It’s raining but I still want to go by bicycle.B: かっぱ着て行きなよ
Just put on a raincoat and go.
今週は30回目🥳🥳いつも読んでくれてありがとう！また来週✌️!
Our 30th newsletter this time🥳🥳Thanks for reading! See you next week ✌️!
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