Translation guide
Ways to express that rain seems likely or that there are indications of rain, from casual observations to formal forecasts.
To say that it looks like rain or that there are signs of rain in a general, everyday sense.
The most common and natural way to say 'it looks like rain' or 'it seems like it's going to rain.' Uses the そうだ pattern for conjecture based on direct evidence.
空が暗くなってきた。雨が降りそうだ。
The sky has gotten dark. It looks like rain.
To refer to specific natural phenomena that are traditionally considered signs of rain.
Literally 'harbinger of rain,' used for any sign or omen that rain is coming. Can be used for natural signs or superstitious beliefs.
ツバメが低く飛ぶのは雨の前触れだと言われている。
It is said that swallows flying low is a sign of rain.
To express the likelihood of rain in a more formal or meteorological context.
雨が降りそう is a subjective, immediate judgment based on what you see or feel. 雨模様 is more descriptive of the sky's appearance and is often used in weather reports or written language.
今にも雨が降りそうだ。
It's about to rain any moment.
朝から雨模様の天気が続いている。
The weather has been looking like rain since morning.
Literally 'rain pattern,' used to describe the look of the sky or weather that suggests rain is coming. Often used in weather forecasts or descriptive writing.
今日は雨模様だから、傘を持って行ったほうがいい。
It looks like rain today, so you'd better take an umbrella.
A somewhat literary or poetic term for 'signs of rain' or 'rain in the air.' Not commonly used in daily conversation.
山には雨気が漂っている。
There are signs of rain in the mountains.
Similar to 前触れ, meaning 'signs' or 'indications' of rain. Slightly more formal or literary.
西の空に雨の兆しが見える。
I can see signs of rain in the western sky.
Literally 'probability of precipitation.' The standard term used in weather forecasts to indicate the chance of rain.
明日の降水確率は80%です。
Tomorrow's chance of rain is 80%.
Means 'rain forecast.' Used when the weather report predicts rain.
週末は雨の予報が出ている。
The forecast says rain for the weekend.