しとしと

しとしと
adverb
drizzling; softly falling (rain)
literarydescriptive
1. drizzling; softly falling
Describes the gentle, quiet sound and manner of light rain falling steadily. Often conveys a calm, somewhat melancholic atmosphere.
雨(あめ)がしとしと降(ふ)っている。
The rain is falling softly.
しとしとと降(ふ)る雨(あめ)の音(おと)を聞(き)きながら眠(ねむ)った。
I fell asleep listening to the sound of the gently falling rain.
梅雨(つゆ)の時期(じき)はしとしと雨(あめ)が続(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

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

Contrast with other rain sounds

Related Words

Compare: ざあざあ (heavy rain)
Compare: ぽつぽつ (scattered drops just starting)
Compare: ぱらぱら (light, sporadic rain)
general
Added 2026.1.16 23:51 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
05500/05885_shitoshito