1.
signs of rain; threatening rain; overcast skies
Weather conditions that suggest rain is coming or already falling lightly. Originally referred to the appearance of the sky before rain, but is now commonly used when it is already raining.
A compound of 雨 (rain) and 模様 (pattern; signs). Traditionally, 雨模様 meant the sky looked as though it would rain soon — not that it was already raining. However, in modern usage, it frequently refers to weather that is already rainy or drizzling. This shift in meaning is well-documented but sometimes noted by language purists.
The reading あめもよう is also common and considered standard.
Common collocations
- 雨模様の空: overcast sky threatening rain
- 雨模様の天気: rainy weather
- 雨模様が続く: rainy weather continues
- 朝から雨模様: rainy from the morning