Translation guide
The amount of rain that falls over a period, or the event of rain falling. Japanese distinguishes between the phenomenon, measured quantity, and intensity.
Referring to the quantity of rain, often in weather reports or data.
Standard term for precipitation amount, used in forecasts and statistics.
今日の降水量は50ミリです。
Today's rainfall is 50 millimeters.
Commonly used for rainfall amount, especially in contexts like 'rainfall gauge' (雨量計).
この地域の年間雨量は多い。
The annual rainfall in this region is high.
Describing the occurrence of rain, often in general or descriptive statements.
Formal or technical term for rainfall as an event. Used in weather forecasts and reports.
明日は激しい降雨が予想されます。
Heavy rainfall is expected tomorrow.
General word for rain. Can be used for rainfall in everyday conversation.
雨がたくさん降った。
There was a lot of rainfall.
Literal 'the falling of rain', used when defining or explaining rainfall conceptually.
降雨とは雨が降ることです。
Rainfall means the falling of rain.
Emphasizing the strength or volume of rain.
Common word for heavy rain. Often used in warnings and news.
大雨で川が氾濫した。
The heavy rainfall caused the river to flood.
Torrential rain, often used for extreme rainfall events.
Technical term for intense rain, used in meteorology.
強雨のため視界が悪い。
Visibility is poor due to intense rainfall.
Both mean 'amount of rainfall'. 降水量 is the standard meteorological term and includes all forms of precipitation (rain, snow, etc.), while 雨量 specifically refers to rain. In everyday weather reports, 降水量 is more common.
降水量は平年並みです。
The rainfall is about average.
雨量計で測ります。
It is measured with a rain gauge.
While 雨 means 'rain', it is not used for measured quantities. Saying '雨は50ミリです' is unnatural. Use 降水量 or 雨量 instead.
Record rainfall was observed.