しとしと

しとしと
adverb
drizzling; softly falling (rain)
1. drizzling; softly falling
Describes the gentle, quiet sound and manner of light rain falling steadily. Often conveys a calm, somewhat melancholic atmosphere.
(あめ)がしとしと()っている。
The rain is falling softly.
しとしとと()(あめ)(おと)()きながら(ねむ)った。
I fell asleep listening to the sound of the gently falling rain.
梅雨(つゆ)時期(じき)はしとしと(あめ)(つづ)く。
During the rainy season, light drizzle continues.

しとしと is an onomatopoeia specifically for gentle, quiet rain. It evokes a calm, often melancholic atmosphere and is frequently used in literary contexts.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • しとしと()る: to fall gently (rain)
  • しとしとと: variant with と particle for emphasis

CONTRAST WITH OTHER RAIN SOUNDS:

  • ぽつぽつ: scattered drops just starting
  • ざあざあ: heavy, pouring rain
  • ぱらぱら: light, sporadic rain

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