It describes a weather state where clouds cover the sky and block direct sunlight.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to cloudy weather where the sun is hidden.
- Used commonly in daily weather reports and casual conversation.
- Essential basic vocabulary for describing meteorological conditions.
Overview
- 1概要：「曇り」は、空全体が雲に覆われ、太陽の光が遮られている状態を指す名詞です。気象予報では「晴れ」「雨」「雪」と並んで最も基本的な天気のカテゴリーの一つです。2) 使用パターン：名詞として「今日は曇りです」のように使うほか、「曇り空（くもりぞら）」や「曇りのち雨」といった複合語としても頻繁に使われます。また、動詞「曇る」の連用形から派生しており、天候だけでなく「鏡が曇る」のように物の表面に水滴がつく様子を表す際にも関連性が感じられます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話で「明日の天気はどうかな？」と聞かれた際や、天気予報を見る際に必須の単語です。洗濯物を干すかどうかを判断する際にも、「曇りだから乾きにくいかな」といった形でよく使われます。4) 類語との比較：「晴れ」は雲が少ない状態、「雨」は降水がある状態を指します。「曇り」はその中間的な存在ですが、単に雲があるだけでなく、太陽が隠れている状態を指す点が重要です。似た表現に「薄曇り（うすぐもり）」がありますが、これは雲が薄く、少し光が漏れている状態を指す、より具体的な表現です。
Examples
今日は曇りです。
everydayIt is cloudy today.
明日の天気は曇りの予報です。
formalThe weather forecast for tomorrow is cloudy.
曇りだから涼しいね。
informalIt's cool because it's cloudy.
気象観測の結果、当地域は曇りとなりました。
academicAs a result of meteorological observation, the area was cloudy.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
曇り空を見上げる
Look up at the cloudy sky
曇りのち晴れ
Cloudy, then sunny
曇り時々雨
Cloudy, occasionally rain
Often Confused With
This is a more formal or literary term for a cloudy sky. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation.
This specifically refers to a light cloud cover where the sun is still slightly visible through the clouds.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral in register and used in both formal and informal contexts. It is primarily a noun but functions as the base for many weather-related compounds. When used in polite speech, always add 'desu' at the end.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes confuse 'kumori' with 'kumo' (cloud). Remember that 'kumori' is the weather condition, while 'kumo' is the physical object in the sky. Also, avoid using 'kumori' to describe 'foggy' weather, which is 'kiri'.
Tips
Use with weather forecast phrases
Combine with 'nochi' (later) to describe changing weather. For example, 'Kumori nochi hare' means cloudy, then sunny.
Don't confuse with cloudy glass
While 'kumori' is used for weather, the verb 'kumoru' is also used for fogged-up glasses or mirrors. Context is key to distinguish them.
Japanese perception of cloudy weather
In Japan, cloudy days are often seen as comfortable for outdoor activities because it isn't too hot, unlike strong sunny days.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'kumoru' (to cloud over). It reflects the natural process of the sky becoming obscured by clouds.
Cultural Context
In Japan, weather is a common ice-breaker in conversation. Describing the day as 'kumori' is a very standard way to start a small talk conversation with neighbors or colleagues.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kumori' as 'Cloud-mori' (piles of clouds). When clouds pile up, it becomes a cloudy day!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「曇り」は天気の種類を指す名詞です。「曇り空」は、雲に覆われた空そのものの様子を指す言葉で、少し詩的あるいは描写的なニュアンスが含まれます。
晴れの日と比べると乾きにくいですが、湿度が低ければ乾くこともあります。風があれば比較的乾きやすいです。
直接的な反対語は「晴れ」です。空に雲が全くない状態を指します。
最初は曇りですが、時間の経過とともに雨が降るようになるという予報です。外出の際は傘が必要になることを示唆しています。
Test Yourself
明日の天気は___のち晴れでしょう。
天気予報の定型表現として「曇りのち晴れ」は非常に一般的です。
「曇り」の説明として正しいものはどれですか？
曇りは雲が空を覆い、太陽光が遮られている状態を指します。
今日は / です / 曇り / （並び替え）
日本語の語順は「主語＋述語」が基本です。
Score: /3
Summary
It describes a weather state where clouds cover the sky and block direct sunlight.
- Refers to cloudy weather where the sun is hidden.
- Used commonly in daily weather reports and casual conversation.
- Essential basic vocabulary for describing meteorological conditions.
Use with weather forecast phrases
Combine with 'nochi' (later) to describe changing weather. For example, 'Kumori nochi hare' means cloudy, then sunny.
Don't confuse with cloudy glass
While 'kumori' is used for weather, the verb 'kumoru' is also used for fogged-up glasses or mirrors. Context is key to distinguish them.
Japanese perception of cloudy weather
In Japan, cloudy days are often seen as comfortable for outdoor activities because it isn't too hot, unlike strong sunny days.
Examples
4 of 4今日は曇りです。
It is cloudy today.
明日の天気は曇りの予報です。
The weather forecast for tomorrow is cloudy.
曇りだから涼しいね。
It's cool because it's cloudy.
気象観測の結果、当地域は曇りとなりました。
As a result of meteorological observation, the area was cloudy.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
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〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
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営み
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空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
