1.
snow
Frozen precipitation falling as white flakes.
雪 refers to snow as a weather phenomenon and as accumulated snow.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 雪が降る: to snow
- 雪が積もる: snow accumulates
- 雪が溶ける: snow melts
- 雪かき: snow shoveling
- 雪だるま: snowman
- 初雪: first snow of the season
COMPOUNDS:
- 大雪: heavy snow
- 吹雪: snowstorm, blizzard
- 新雪: fresh snow
- 積雪: accumulated snow (formal/weather reports)
CULTURE:
Heavy snow regions (豪雪地帯) include 北海道 and 新潟. 雪見 (snow viewing) is a traditional winter activity.