雨 — Rain

Meaning

The kanji 雨 (ame) is a foundational character in Japanese, meaning "rain." Its form is strikingly pictorial, directly representing falling raindrops. As a pictograph, it originated from a direct drawing of the concept it represents. This makes its meaning remarkably intuitive and easy to grasp.

The character's top horizontal stroke symbolizes the sky or a cloud. From this, vertical lines, representing raindrops, descend. These falling drops are contained within a broader square shape, which can be interpreted as the collective falling rain or perhaps the earth's surface receiving the precipitation. This direct visual link between the character's appearance and the natural phenomenon makes it one of the most straightforward kanji to recognize and remember.

The kanji 雨 has 8 strokes, giving it a balanced and stable look. Its structure is quite simple, perfectly mirroring the natural event it depicts. It's designated as a Grade 1 kanji, meaning Japanese children learn it in their first year of elementary school. This early introduction highlights its essential nature and frequent use in a wide range of everyday vocabulary and expressions. Mastering 雨 is a crucial step for learners, as it forms the basis for understanding numerous weather-related terms, meteorological descriptions, and even idiomatic phrases in Japanese. Its clear, direct meaning and iconic shape make it an unforgettable character.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

On'yomi readings come from Chinese pronunciations. They are often used when the kanji appears as part of a compound word, especially alongside other kanji. For 雨, the primary On'yomi is ウ (U). This reading typically appears in more formal or technical terms related to precipitation.

• 雨水うすい (usui) — rainwater

• 降雨こうう (kō'u) — rainfall

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations connected to the kanji's meaning. They are often used when the kanji stands alone or is combined with hiragana endings (okurigana). For 雨, the main Kun'yomi are あめ (ame), あま

• (ama-), and -さめ (-same).

あめ (ame)

This is the most common reading when "rain" is used as a standalone noun.

• 雨あめ (ame) — rain

• 雨あめが降ふる (ame ga furu) — it rains

あま

• (ama-)

This reading often acts as a prefix in compound words, indicating something related to rain.

• 雨具あまぐ (amagu) — rain gear

• 雨戸あまど (amado) — sliding storm door

• 雨宿あまやどり (amayadori) — taking shelter from rain

-さめ (-same)

This reading typically appears as a suffix in compound words, often referring to specific types of rain.

• 小雨こさめ (kosame) — light rain, drizzle

• 時雨しぐれ (shigure) — autumnal/winter rain showers

• 五月雨さみだれ (samidare) — early summer rain (a poetic term for the rainy season)

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 雨 forms many useful and common words in Japanese. This reflects the significant role rain plays in daily life, culture, and the natural environment. These compounds often combine 雨 with other kanji to express nuanced meanings related to various types of rain, complex weather phenomena, and essential items or actions associated with rainy conditions. Understanding these words will significantly enhance your ability to describe weather and engage in everyday conversations.

Weather & Types of Rain

• 大雨おおあめ (ōame) — heavy rain, downpour. This term frequently appears in weather forecasts to indicate severe precipitation.

• 小雨こさめ (kosame) — light rain, drizzle. This describes a gentle, fine rain that isn't particularly heavy.

• 夕立ゆうだち (yūdachi) — evening shower, sudden summer rain. This typically refers to a brief, intense rain shower that occurs in the late afternoon or evening.

• 梅雨つゆ (tsuyu) — rainy season, monsoon. This refers to a distinct period of prolonged rain that occurs in early summer in Japan.

• 降雨量こううりょう (kō'uryō) — amount of rainfall. This is a technical meteorological term used to quantify precipitation.

• 霧雨きりさめ (kirisame) — misty rain, fine drizzle. Even lighter than kosame, it often feels like a mist.

• 通り雨とおりあめ (tooriame) — passing shower. A rain that starts and stops quickly.

Objects & Actions Related to Rain

• 雨傘あまがさ (amagasa) — umbrella. The most common item used to protect oneself from rain.

• 雨具あまぐ (amagu) — rain gear (general term). This includes umbrellas, raincoats, and rain boots.

• 雨靴あまぐつ (amagutsu) — rain boots, galoshes. Footwear designed to keep feet dry in wet conditions.

• 雨合羽あまがっぱ (amagappa) — raincoat. A waterproof coat worn during rain.

• 雨上あめあがり (ameagari) — after the rain. This refers to the period immediately following rainfall, often associated with a fresh atmosphere.

• 雨宿あまやどり (amayadori) — taking shelter from rain. This is the act of waiting under cover during a sudden downpour.

Figurative & Poetic Expressions

• 雨模様あめもよう (amemoyō) — signs of rain, looks like rain. This describes the sky or atmosphere suggesting that rain is imminent.

• 雨天うてん (uten) — rainy weather. A formal term for weather conditions involving rain.

• 雨露あめつゆ (ametsuyu) — rain and dew, the elements. Often used poetically to refer to nature's moisture or life's hardships.

• 風雨ふうう (fū'u) — wind and rain. This describes stormy weather conditions.

Example Sentences

Related Kanji

• 木 — Tree, Wood (Kanji N5)
• 空 — Sky, Empty, Air (Kanji N5)
• 水 — Water (Kanji N5)
• 手 — Hand (Kanji N5)
• 花 — Flower, Blossom (Kanji N5)
• 川 — River (Kanji N5)

Memory Tip

To remember the kanji 雨 (ame), visualize its shape. The top line represents the clouds or sky. Below it, the four small dots are raindrops falling. The enclosing box can be seen as the world or a container catching the rain. It's like looking out of a window and seeing the rain falling. Imagine the sky (top line), four drops (dots), and the window frame (the box) — a simple image of rain. This direct visual connection makes it one of the easiest kanji to recall and understand its meaning.