(にわかあめ)

にわかあめ
noun
sudden rain shower; passing shower
1. sudden rain shower; passing shower
Rain that starts suddenly and usually stops after a short time. A brief, unexpected shower.
俄雨(にわかあめ)()られて()れてしまった。
I got caught in a sudden shower and got soaked.
午後(ごご)俄雨(にわかあめ)可能性(かのうせい)があります。
There's a chance of sudden showers this afternoon.
俄雨(にわかあめ)()むまで軒下(のきした)()った。
I waited under the eaves until the sudden shower stopped.

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Starts suddenly without much warning
  • Usually stops after a short time
  • Common in summer months in Japan

KANJI BREAKDOWN:

  • (にわか) (sudden, unexpected) + (あめ) (rain)

RELATED WEATHER TERMS:

  • 夕立(ゆうだち) (evening rain shower - specifically in summer, often with thunder)
  • (とお)(あめ) (passing shower)
  • ゲリラ豪雨(ごうう) (guerrilla rainstorm - modern term for sudden heavy downpours)

WEATHER FORECAST EXPRESSION:

  • 俄雨(にわかあめ)注意(ちゅうい) (beware of sudden showers)
  • (ところ)により俄雨(にわかあめ) (showers in some areas)

CULTURAL NOTE:
俄雨(にわかあめ) is a common occurrence in Japanese summers, especially during the 梅雨(つゆ) (rainy season) and (なつ). Carrying a ()りたたみ(がさ) (folding umbrella) is standard practice in Japan.