Translation and Meaning of: 降水 - kousui

The Japanese word 降水 [こうすい] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, how it is used in everyday life, and even some curiosities about its origin and writing. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese talk about rain or precipitation in formal and informal contexts, this text will help you understand better.

In addition, we will see how this word appears in practical situations, such as weather forecasts and daily conversations. If you use Suki Nihongo to study Japanese, you may have already seen 降水 in some example sentences. Here, we go beyond the literal translation and delve into what makes this word relevant for students and enthusiasts.

Meaning and use of 降水 in Japanese

降水 [こうすい] is composed of two kanji: 降 (to descend, to fall) and 水 (water). Together, they form the term that means "precipitation" or "rain" in a more technical context. Unlike words like 雨 (ame), which simply refers to rain, 降水 is more commonly used in weather forecasts, scientific reports, or discussions about climate.

You will hardly hear someone say "今日は降水がある" (today there is precipitation) in a casual conversation. Instead, Japanese people prefer more colloquial like 雨が降る (it's going to rain). However, in weather reports or news, 降水確率 (probability of rain) is a common expression. This difference between technical and everyday language is important for those who want to sound natural when speaking Japanese.

The origin and the kanjis of 降水

The combination of the kanjis 降 and 水 is not random. 降 appears in words related to things that go down or fall, such as 降雪 (snowfall) or 降伏 (surrender). Meanwhile, 水, besides meaning "water," is a radical present in several kanjis linked to liquids and natural phenomena. This pair forms a precise term to describe the water that falls from the sky, whether as rain, snow, or hail.

Interestingly, 降水 is not an ancient word. It emerged with the development of modern meteorology in Japan in the late 19th century. While like 雨 have existed for centuries, 降水 reflects a more scientific categorization of climatic phenomena. This explains why it is more common in technical contexts than in everyday speech.

How to memorize and use 降水 correctly

One tip for ing this word is to associate the kanjis with the image of water falling. Visualizing the radical 阝 (which appears in 降) as a hill can help - the water going down the slope. This type of association is useful for students, but always check sources like Jisho.org or Kanjipedia to ensure the accuracy of the components.

When using 降水, that it pairs well with technical . For example, 降水量 (precipitation volume) or 降水確率 are correct expressions. In informal conversations, prefer to use 雨 or verbs like 降る. This distinction prevents you from sounding artificial in everyday situations, even if you master the technical vocabulary.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 雨量 (うりょう) - amount of rain
• 降雨 (こうう) - Rainfall
• 降雪 (こうせつ) - Snow precipitation
• 降霜 (こうそう) - Frost formation
• 降雹 (こうひょう) - Hail precipitation