also: ばいう
noun
rainy season; East Asian rainy season
Refers to the annual rainy season in early summer, typically from early June to mid-July in most of Japan. Often used with modifiers like 梅雨入り (start) and 梅雨明け (end).
今年の梅雨は長引いている。
This year's rainy season is dragging on.
梅雨入りは平年より早かった。
The start of the rainy season was earlier than usual.
noun
rain during the rainy season
Specifically refers to the rain that falls during the 梅雨 period, rather than the season itself. Often used in poetic or descriptive contexts.
梅雨がしとしとと降り続いている。
The rainy-season rain is falling steadily and softly.
Alternate on'yomi reading, used in formal or technical contexts such as weather forecasts.
Rare kanji form using 黴 (mold), reflecting the dampness of the season.
The kanji 梅 (plum) and 雨 (rain) refer to the season when plums ripen. The reading つゆ is a jukujikun, possibly derived from 露 (dew) or an old word for moisture. The on'yomi ばいう is used in formal contexts.