降る

Let's dive into how to use 降る (furu), which means "to fall" (for rain or snow), in Japanese sentences. It's a pretty straightforward verb, but there are a few key things to remember to use it correctly.

§ Basic Sentence Structure with 降る

The most common way to use 降る is with the particle が (ga) to indicate what is falling. Think of it like "[What is falling] falls."

Japanese Particle が (ga)

The particle が marks the subject of the verb. In this case, it marks what is falling.

§ Using 降る in Different Tenses

Like most Japanese verbs, 降る can be conjugated to express different tenses and forms. Here are a few common ones:

• Present/Future (Dictionary form): 降る (furu) - to fall, will fall
• Present Progressive (ている form): 降っている (futte iru) - is falling
• Past Tense (た form): 降った (futta) - fell
• Negative Form: 降らない (furanai) - does not fall, will not fall

§ Specifying Where It's Falling

You can also specify where the rain or snow is falling using the particle に (ni) or で (de).

Japanese Particle に (ni)

Indicates a destination or location. When combined with 降る, it often implies a broader area.

Japanese Particle で (de)

Indicates the location where an action takes place.

§ Describing How It's Falling

You can add adverbs to describe how the rain or snow is falling. Common adverbs include:

• 大雨 (ooame) - heavy rain (or 大きく - ookiku, heavily)
• 小雨 (koame) - light rain (or 小さく - chiisaku, lightly)
• しとしと (shitoshto) - softly, gently (for rain)
• ふわふわ (fuwafuwa) - lightly, fluffily (for snow)

By combining these elements, you can create a variety of sentences to describe precipitation in Japanese. Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it!

§ Understanding 降る (furu) in Context

You've learned that 降る (furu) means 'to fall' when we talk about rain or snow. Now, let's look at how you'll actually encounter this verb in everyday Japanese conversations, especially in common situations like work, school, and news reports. This isn't just about memorizing a definition; it's about recognizing its usage in real-world contexts.

DEFINITION

to fall (rain, snow)

§ At Work: Discussing Weather and Plans

In a work environment, discussions about weather are common. Whether it's planning outdoor activities, commuting, or simply making small talk, 降る (furu) comes up frequently. You'll hear it in casual conversations among colleagues or in more formal settings when discussing potential impacts on business.

• Imagine a scenario where a meeting might be affected by heavy rain:

  明日は雨が降るそうですから、外出は控えた方がいいかもしれませんね。

  Hint: "It seems like it will rain tomorrow, so it might be better to avoid going out."

• Or if a delivery is delayed due to snow:

  雪が降っているので、配達が遅れています。

  Hint: "Because it's snowing, deliveries are delayed."

§ At School: Weather and Activities

In a school setting, 降る (furu) is part of daily conversation, especially concerning outdoor activities, field trips, or even just what to wear. Teachers and students will use it to talk about the weather's impact on their day.

• A teacher might announce a change in plans:

  今日は雨が降るので、体育は体育館で行います。

  Hint: "Because it will rain today, physical education will be held in the gym."

• Students might discuss the weather during break time:

  雪が降ったら、雪合戦をしよう！

  Hint: "If it snows, let's have a snowball fight!"

§ In the News: Reporting Weather and Disasters

News reports, especially weather forecasts and disaster updates, are prime examples of where you'll hear 降る (furu) used formally and frequently. This is crucial for understanding public safety announcements and general news. Weather reports often use slightly more formal language, but the core meaning of 降る remains the same.

• A weather forecast might state:

  この地域では、午後から強い雨が降るでしょう。

  Hint: "In this region, heavy rain is expected to fall from the afternoon."

• Or a disaster report might mention:

  昨夜から大雪が降っており、交通機関に影響が出ています。

  Hint: "Heavy snow has been falling since last night, affecting public transportation."

§ Key Takeaways for 降る (furu)

Understanding 降る (furu) in these real-world contexts will greatly improve your comprehension of spoken and written Japanese. Pay attention to the particle が (ga) which typically marks the subject (rain or snow) that is falling. Remember, practice listening for this word in weather forecasts, daily conversations, and news reports. The more you hear it, the more natural it will become.

Let's talk about some common mistakes English speakers make when using the Japanese verb 降る (furu). This word means "to fall" specifically for natural phenomena like rain or snow. Understanding these nuances will help you use it correctly and sound more natural.

§ Mistake 1: Using 降る for things other than natural falling (rain, snow)

The biggest mistake is trying to use 降る for things that aren't rain or snow falling. In English, we say "leaves fall" or "a rock fell." In Japanese, 降る is NOT used for these situations.

DEFINITION

降る (furu) is ONLY for rain, snow, hail, or similar meteorological precipitation.

If you want to talk about leaves falling, you'd use a different verb like 落ちる (ochiru). If a rock falls, you'd also use 落ちる.

§ Mistake 2: Confusing 降る with 降りる (oriru)

Another common point of confusion is with 降りる (oriru). While they share a kanji, their meanings are quite different.

• 降る (furu): to fall (rain, snow from the sky)
• 降りる (oriru): to get off (a train, bus), to descend (stairs, mountain)

DEFINITION

降りる (oriru) implies a person or object moving downwards from a higher place, often with intention.

You might hear people say, 「電車を降ります。」 (Densha o orimasu.) which means "I'm getting off the train." You would NEVER say 「電車が降ります。」 (Densha ga furimasu.) unless you're talking about a train falling from the sky like rain, which is highly unlikely!

§ Mistake 3: Overlooking particle usage with 降る

When using 降る, the particle が (ga) is almost always used to mark the thing that is falling (rain, snow).

DEFINITION

The particle が (ga) indicates the subject of the verb, which is the rain or snow itself.

Incorrect: 「雨を降る。」 (Ame o furu.) - This implies you are actively making rain fall, which is not what you mean.

Correct: 「雨が降る。」 (Ame ga furu.) - This correctly states that rain falls.

By keeping these common pitfalls in mind, you'll master 降る in no time. Focus on its specific meaning for precipitation, distinguish it from similar-sounding verbs, and use the correct particle.

§ “降る” (furu): Definition and Basic Use

“降る” (furu) means “to fall.” But it’s specifically for rain, snow, hail, or other precipitation. You wouldn’t use it for a person falling down, or a leaf falling from a tree. Remember that it's an intransitive verb, so it doesn't take a direct object.

Japanese Word

降る (furu)

CEFR Level

A2

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To fall (rain, snow)

Ame ga furu kamoshirenai.
It might rain.

Yuki ga furimashita.
It snowed.

§ Similar Words and When to Use Them

Japanese has several words for “to fall,” and choosing the right one depends on what’s falling. Here's how “降る” compares to other common verbs:

• 落ちる (ochiru): This is a general verb for things falling. Think leaves, apples, or someone falling down. It implies a downward movement due to gravity.

Ki kara ha ga ochiru.
Leaves fall from trees.

• 倒れる (taoreru): This verb means “to fall over” or “to collapse.” It's used when something that was upright falls to a horizontal position. Think of a tree falling in a storm, or a person fainting.

Furui ki ga kaze de taoreta.
The old tree fell over in the wind.

• 對れる (korobu): This specifically refers to a person or animal falling down, usually by tripping or losing balance.

Chiisai kodomo ga koronda.
The small child fell down.

§ Key Difference: Precipitation Only

The most important thing to remember is that “降る” is *only* for precipitation. If it's not rain, snow, hail, or something similar falling from the sky, you need a different verb.

So, to recap:

• Use “降る” (furu) for rain, snow, etc.
• Use “落ちる” (ochiru) for general falling of objects.
• Use “倒れる” (taoreru) for things falling over or collapsing.
• Use “転んだ” (korobu) for people or animals falling down.

Mastering these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural. Keep practicing!