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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.
夏の空に入道雲が見える。
Cumulonimbus clouds can be seen in the summer sky.
入道雲が出てきたから夕立が来るかもしれない。
Thunderhead clouds are forming, so there might be an evening shower.
山の向こうに巨大な入道雲がもくもくと立ち上っていた。
A gigantic cumulonimbus cloud was billowing up beyond the mountains.
ETYMOLOGY:
The name 入道雲 comes from 入道 (Buddhist monk) + 雲 (cloud). The towering white cloud formation resembles the shaved, bald head of a monk.
SEASONAL REFERENCE:
入道雲 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) in summer.