俄雨(にわかあめ)

Usage

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

Writing

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

Weather forecasts and news usually write this word as にわか雨(あめ), since 俄(にわか) is outside the common-use kanji list. Both spellings are read にわかあめ.

Related words

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

COMMON EXPRESSIONS (weather forecasts):

• 俄雨(にわかあめ)に注意(ちゅうい) (beware of sudden showers)
• 所(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 夏(なつ). Carrying a 折(お)りたたみ傘(がさ) (folding umbrella) is standard practice in Japan.