五月雨(さみだれ)

さみだれ
noun
early summer rain
1. early summer rain; seasonal rain
The long, continuous rain that falls in early summer (around May-June in the lunar calendar). Associated with the rainy season.
五月雨(さみだれ)の季節(きせつ)になった。
The early summer rain season has arrived.
五月雨(さみだれ)が降(ふ)り続(つづ)いている。
The early summer rain keeps falling.
五月雨(さみだれ)に濡(ぬ)れた紫陽花(あじさい)が美(うつく)しい。
The hydrangeas wet with early summer rain are beautiful.
2. intermittent; sporadic; in a trickle
Used figuratively to describe something happening intermittently or in scattered intervals, like falling rain.
五月雨式(さみだれしき)に報告(ほうこく)が届(とど)く。
Reports arrive sporadically.
申(もう)し訳(わけ)ありません、五月雨(さみだれ)になってしまいました。
I'm sorry this came in bits and pieces.
五月雨式(さみだれしき)にメールを送(おく)ってすみません。
Sorry for sending emails in bits and pieces.

五月雨(さみだれ) originally refers to rain in the fifth month of the lunar calendar (roughly June).

LITERARY USAGE:
A poetic term often found in classical literature and haiku.

MODERN BUSINESS USAGE:

五月雨式(さみだれしき) describes:

  • Sending メール/messages in multiple parts
  • Making payments in installments
  • Delivering items in batches

Note: Using 五月雨式(さみだれしき) in business often carries an apologetic nuance, implying inconvenience caused by the sporadic nature.

Related Words

Related: 梅雨(つゆ) (rainy season)
general
Added 2026.1.16 23:51 · Revised 2026.6.16 15:43
05500/05930_samidare