ざあざあ

ざあざあ is an onomatopoeia (擬音語(ぎおんご)) representing the sound of heavy, intense rain. The voiced consonant ざ conveys force and volume, making it one of the strongest rain-sound words.

Common patterns

• ざあざあ降(ふ)る: to pour (rain)
• ざあざあ降(ふ)り: pouring rain (used as a noun modifier)
• 雨(あめ)がざあざあ: rain is pouring

Contrast with other rain words

• ぽつぽつ: scattered, occasional drops (lightest)
• しとしと: gentle, quiet, steady drizzle
• ざあざあ: heavy, loud downpour
• 土砂降(どしゃぶ)り: torrential downpour (strongest; a noun, not onomatopoeia)

Usage

Almost exclusively used with 雨(あめ) (rain) or 降(ふ)る (to fall). Can also describe the sound of running water, as in 水(みず)がざあざあ流(なが)れる (water gushing/flowing noisily).