入道雲(にゅうどうぐも)

にゅうどうぐも
noun
cumulonimbus cloud, towering thunderhead
natureweather
1. cumulonimbus cloud, towering thunderhead
A large, tall cloud formation that develops vertically, often associated with summer weather and thunderstorms. Named for its resemblance to a bald monk's head.
夏(なつ)の空(そら)に入道雲(にゅうどうぐも)が見(み)える。
Cumulonimbus clouds can be seen in the summer sky.
入道雲(にゅうどうぐも)が出(で)てきたから夕立(ゆうだち)が来(く)るかもしれない。
Thunderhead clouds are forming, so there might be an evening shower.
山(やま)の向(む)こうに巨大(きょだい)な入道雲(にゅうどうぐも)がもくもくと立(た)ち上(のぼ)っていた。
A gigantic cumulonimbus cloud was billowing up beyond the mountains.

Etymology

The name 入道雲(にゅうどうぐも) comes from 入道(にゅうどう) (Buddhist monk) + 雲(くも) (cloud). The towering white cloud formation resembles the shaved, bald head of a monk.

Seasonal reference

入道雲(にゅうどうぐも) is a quintessential summer image in Japan, often depicted in art and anime as a symbol of summer vacation and childhood nostalgia.

Weather note

These clouds often bring sudden afternoon thunderstorms (夕立(ゆうだち)) in summer.

Related Words

Related: 雨雲(あまぐも) (rain cloud)
Related: 積雲(せきうん) (cumulus cloud)
Related: 雷雲(らいうん) (thundercloud)
Related: 積乱雲(せきらんうん) (cumulonimbus cloud)
general
Added 2026.2.5 11:42 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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