小雨(こさめ)

こさめ
noun
light rain, drizzle
1. light rain, drizzle
Light, gentle rainfall; not heavy enough to need shelter.
小雨(こさめ)が降(ふ)っている。
It's drizzling.
小雨(こさめ)なら傘(かさ)はいらない。
If it's just a light rain, I don't need an umbrella.
小雨(こさめ)程度(ていど)なら試合(しあい)は行(おこな)われる。
The game will be held if it's only light rain.

小雨(こさめ) means light rain or drizzle - gentle rainfall that doesn't require shelter or heavy rain gear.

RAIN INTENSITY SCALE:

  • 霧雨(きりさめ): fine mist, very light drizzle
  • 小雨(こさめ): light rain, drizzle
  • 雨(あめ): rain (general)
  • 大雨(おおあめ): heavy rain
  • 豪雨(ごうう): torrential rain, downpour

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 小雨(こさめ)が降(ふ)る: to drizzle
  • 小雨(こさめ)程度(ていど): just light rain (used to indicate something will proceed despite rain)
  • 小雨(こさめ)決行(けっこう): will proceed even in light rain (event announcements)

WEATHER FORECAST USAGE:
小雨(こさめ) appears frequently in forecasts. 小雨(こさめ)なら傘(かさ)はいらない is a common sentiment (no umbrella needed for drizzle).

Related Words

Contrast: 豪雨(ごうう) (heavy rain)
general
Added 2026.1.16 22:54 · Revised 2026.1.27 13:23
05500/05861_kosame