When you hear the sound of rain, do you ever notice how it can fall in different ways? Sometimes it pours heavily, and other times it's a soft, continuous drizzle. That's where the Japanese word しとしとと comes in handy!
You use しとしとと to describe rain that is falling gently and steadily. It's not a heavy downpour, but rather a quiet, persistent rain. Imagine a soft, continuous sprinkle that lasts for a while – that's しとしとと.
So, if you want to say that it's raining gently and steadily, you can use しとしとと.
When you hear 「しとしとと」 (shito shito to), think of soft, continuous rain. It's not a heavy downpour, but rather a gentle, steady drizzle or light rain. This onomatopoeic adverb beautifully captures the sound and feeling of such rain, often evoking a sense of calm or melancholy. You might hear it when describing a rainy season day or a quiet, introspective moment.
It’s specifically used for rain, emphasizing its quiet and persistent nature without being too strong. So, if you want to describe a light, continuous rain, 「しとしとと」 is the perfect word to use.
しとしとと in 30 Seconds
- B1
- Onomatopoeia
- Rain
How Formal Is It?
"雨がしとしとと降っております。"
"雨がしとしと降っている。"
"雨しとしと降ってるね。"
"あめがしとしとふってるよ。"
"雨しとやん。"
Often Confused With
Describes heavy, pouring rain, unlike the gentle 'しとしとと'.
Refers to light, scattered rain (a sprinkling), not the continuous gentle fall of 'しとしとと'.
Describes snow falling silently and steadily, or coldness intensifying quietly. While it shares the 'steady' aspect, it's for snow/cold, not rain.
Idioms & Expressions
"猫の目"
Fickle; constantly changing (like a cat's eye changing with light).
最近の天気は猫の目のようだ。
neutral"高嶺の花"
An unattainable love; something admired from afar.
彼女は私にとって高嶺の花だ。
neutral"口が軽い"
Talkative; prone to revealing secrets.
彼は口が軽いから、秘密は話さない方がいい。
neutral"水に流す"
Let bygones be bygones; forgive and forget.
過去のことは水に流そう。
neutral"油を売る"
To waste time; to chat idly instead of working.
仕事中に油を売るな。
neutral"顔が広い"
Well-connected; having many acquaintances.
彼は顔が広いから、色々な人を知っている。
neutral"目がない"
To be extremely fond of; to have a weakness for.
彼女は甘いものに目がない。
neutral"鼻が高い"
Proud; feeling proud of oneself or one's achievements.
息子が賞をもらって鼻が高い。
neutral"手のひらを返す"
To turn one's back on someone; to suddenly change one's attitude.
彼は状況が変わると手のひらを返した。
neutral"肩を並べる"
To stand shoulder to shoulder; to be on equal footing.
彼は先輩と肩を並べるようになった。
neutralEasily Confused
Many English speakers learning Japanese might struggle to grasp the nuance of onomatopoeic adverbs, especially when describing weather phenomena. 'しとしとと' specifically refers to rain falling gently and steadily, which can be hard to differentiate from other rain-related onomatopoeia like 'ざあざあ' (heavy rain) or 'ぱらぱら' (sprinkling). The 'と' ending also indicates an adverb, which can be a new grammatical concept for some learners.
'しとしとと' describes a gentle, continuous rain, often associated with a quiet atmosphere. It's not a downpour, nor is it just a few drops. Think of a persistent drizzle or a soft, steady rain that might last for hours. The key is the 'gentle yet continuous' aspect.
雨がしとしとと降っています。 (あめ が しとしとと ふって います。) (The rain is falling gently and steadily.)
This onomatopoeia can describe several states, making it confusing. It can mean dithering or dawdling (people), being soggy or mushy (things), or even a runny nose. Learners might not realize one word covers such different scenarios.
When referring to people, 'ぐずぐず' means to hesitate, procrastinate, or dawdle. When referring to objects, it describes something that is soft, mushy, or soggy due to moisture. Context is crucial here.
彼はいつもぐずぐずしている。 (かれ は いつも ぐずぐず して いる。) (He is always dawdling/dithering.)
Often confused with simply 'walking around,' 'うろうろ' carries a specific nuance of aimless or suspicious wandering, or being lost. English speakers might initially use it too broadly.
'うろうろ' implies wandering around aimlessly, often with a sense of being lost, looking for something, or even loitering suspiciously. It's not just a casual stroll; there's usually an underlying reason for the aimlessness.
変な人が家の周りをうろうろしていた。 (へん な ひと が いえ の まわり を うろうろ して いた。) (A strange person was loitering/wandering around the house.)
This word has multiple meanings related to rolling, rumbling, or being idle. Learners can get confused by its versatility and struggle to pick the correct meaning based on context.
'ごろごろ' can describe something heavy rolling ('岩がごろごろ転がる'), the sound of thunder or stomach rumbling ('雷がごろごろ鳴る'), or spending time idly/lazily ('家でごろごろする'). The context of the sentence dictates its meaning.
週末は家でごろごろするのが好きです。 (しゅうまつ は いえ で ごろごろ する の が すき です。) (I like to laze around at home on weekends.)
While it means 'sparkling' or 'glittering,' learners might confuse it with other words for shining or glowing. The specific nuance of small, intermittent flashes of light might be missed.
'きらきら' specifically refers to small, sparkling, or glittering lights, like stars, jewels, or sunlight on water. It implies a twinkling or shimmering effect, not a steady glow or a bright flash.
星が夜空できらきら輝いている。 (ほし が よぞら で きらきら かがやいて いる。) (The stars are sparkling/twinkling in the night sky.)
Tips
Hear the Sound
The sound of 'しとしとと' (shito shito to) is an onomatopoeia, meaning it imitates the sound it describes. Try to imagine the gentle patter of rain when you hear it. This helps with recall.
Associate with Gentle Rain
Always associate 'しとしとと' with gentle, steady rain, not a downpour or a sprinkle. It's that consistent, soft fall.
Use with '降る'
You'll most often hear 'しとしとと' used with the verb '降る' (furu), meaning 'to fall' (referring to rain). For example, 「雨がしとしとと降っています」 (Ame ga shito shito to futte imasu) means 'The rain is falling gently and steadily.'
It's an Adverb
Remember that 'しとしとと' is an adverb. It modifies verbs, describing how something is happening. In this case, how the rain is falling.
Don't Confuse with Heavy Rain
Do not use 'しとしとと' for heavy rain. For heavy rain, you might hear words like 'ザーザー' (zaa zaa). It's important to differentiate between the intensity of the rain.
Seasonal Context
Gentle, steady rain like 'しとしとと' often evokes a sense of calm or melancholy in Japanese culture, especially during the rainy season (tsuyu) or autumn. This cultural context can deepen your understanding.
Practice Sentences
Create your own sentences. For example, 「窓の外でしとしとと雨が降っている」 (Mado no soto de shito shito to ame ga futte iru) meaning 'It's raining gently outside the window.' Repetition helps build fluency.
The 'と' Particle
The 'と' (to) particle at the end often signifies an adverbial function, especially for onomatopoeic words. While sometimes optional in casual speech, including 'と' makes it clearly an adverb modifying a verb, emphasizing the manner.
Listen to Native Speakers
Pay attention to how native speakers use 'しとしとと' in conversations, dramas, or songs. Their pronunciation and context will provide invaluable real-world examples.
Visualize the Scene
When you encounter 'しとしとと', try to visualize a scene. Perhaps a quiet street, a garden, or a window with rain gently falling. This mental imagery can make the word stick better.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'shh, it's just a little, little rain.' The 'shito shito' sound itself mimics gentle rain.
Visual Association
Imagine a window with soft, continuous raindrops trickling down, creating a calm, peaceful scene. Picture the misty atmosphere of a gentle rain.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe a rainy day using しとしとと. For example: '今日はしとしとと雨が降っていて、家で本を読みました。' (Today, it was raining gently, so I read a book at home.) Try to use it in your own sentences when you see or think about gentle rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsしとしとと (shito shito to) describes light, gentle rain, often continuous. Think of a steady drizzle. ザーザー (zaazaa), on the other hand, is for heavy, pouring rain. It's the sound of a downpour.
Typically, しとしとと (shito shito to) is used exclusively for rain. You wouldn't use it to describe, say, snow or tears. It's very specific to that gentle, steady rainfall.
It implies both! The sound of しとしとと (shito shito to) is a soft, continuous patter, and it also describes the gentle visual of the rain falling. It's an onomatopoeia that captures both aspects.
Yes, しとしとと (shito shito to) is a fairly common and natural way to describe light, steady rain in Japanese. You'll definitely encounter it in everyday conversation and media.
While しとしとと (shito shito to) is quite specific, you might hear things like ぽつぽつ (potsu potsu) for scattered raindrops, or しずしずと (shizu shizu to), which isn't for rain but also implies gentleness in movement. However, for gentle rain, しとしとと is the most direct fit.
You use しとしとと (shito shito to) as an adverb, usually before the verb for 'rain' (降る, furu). For example: 雨がしとしとと降っている。 (Ame ga shito shito to futte iru.) - 'The rain is falling gently.'
It's generally neutral, or can even have a slightly pleasant, calming connotation, especially when describing a gentle spring or autumn rain. It doesn't usually carry a negative feeling like a heavy downpour might.
しとしとと (shito shito to) is perfectly natural and can be used in both casual and slightly more formal contexts when describing rain. It's not particularly high-register or informal slang.
It's almost always written in hiragana: しとしとと. While it's an onomatopoeia, katakana is typically reserved for foreign words or emphasis, and it doesn't have a specific kanji form.
The と (to) attached to onomatopoeic adverbs like しとしとと is a grammatical particle that turns the sound/state into an adverb, indicating how something is done. It emphasizes the manner of the action.
Test Yourself 54 questions
雨が___降っています。
「しとしとと」は雨が静かに降る様子を表します。
外は雨が___です。
「しとしとと」は雨が静かに降る様子を表します。
窓の外で、雨が___降っています。
「しとしとと」は雨が静かに降る様子を表します。
静かに雨が___降っています。
「しとしとと」は雨が静かに降る様子を表します。
雨の音が___聞こえます。
「しとしとと」は雨が静かに降る様子を表します。
雨が___降って、道が濡れています。
「しとしとと」は雨が静かに降る様子を表します。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 雨がしとしとと___います。
しとしとと is used to describe gently falling rain, so 降って (falling) is the correct verb.
Which of these describes the sound of light rain?
しとしとと specifically describes the sound or manner of light, steady rain. The other options describe different sounds (e.g., grinding, clanging, dry rattling).
Select the sentence that correctly uses しとしとと.
しとしとと is used for rain, not for sun, wind, or snow.
しとしとと describes heavy, pouring rain.
しとしとと describes light, gentle rain, not heavy rain.
You can use しとしとと to describe a gentle snowfall.
しとしとと is specifically used for rain, not snow.
しとしとと indicates that something is happening in a steady and continuous manner.
しとしとと means steadily and gently, implying a continuous action.
What kind of rain is falling?
How does the rain sound?
When did the rain start and how is it continuing?
Read this aloud:
雨がしとしとと降っている。
Focus: しとしとと
You said:
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Read this aloud:
しとしとと雨が降る音。
Focus: 音 (oto)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
一日中しとしとと雨が降っていた。
Focus: 一日中 (ichinichijū)
You said:
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昨夜から雨が___降っています。(The rain has been falling ___ since last night.)
「しとしとと」 describes rain falling gently and steadily. The other options describe heavier or sporadic rain.
庭の植物が、___降る雨で生き返った。(The garden plants revived with the ___ falling rain.)
「しとしとと」 is suitable for describing rain that is gentle and beneficial to plants.
窓の外で、一日中雨が___降り続いています。(Outside the window, the rain has been falling ___ all day.)
「しとしとと」 conveys the continuous, gentle nature of the rain.
雨が___降る中、散歩に出かけました。(I went for a walk while the rain was falling ___.)
「しとしとと」 suggests a light rain that is not too disruptive for a walk.
雨音が___と聞こえて、心が落ち着きます。(The sound of the rain falling ___ makes my heart calm.)
The gentle sound of 「しとしとと」 rain is often associated with a calming effect.
夜中に目が覚めると、外では雨が___降っていました。(When I woke up in the middle of the night, rain was falling ___ outside.)
「しとしとと」 is appropriate for describing a steady, gentle rain, especially at night.
This sentence describes rain falling gently. 「雨が」 (ame ga) means 'rain', 「しとしとと」 (shitoshitoto) describes the gentle falling, and 「降っています。」 (futte imasu) means 'is falling'.
This sentence means 'It rained gently all day long.' 「一日中」 (ichinichijū) means 'all day long', 「雨が」 (ame ga) is 'rain', 「しとしとと」 (shitoshitoto) is 'gently', and 「降っていた。」 (futte ita) is 'was falling'.
This sentence means 'I can hear the gentle sound of rain outside the window.' 「窓の外では」 (mado no soto de wa) means 'outside the window', 「しとしとと」 (shitoshitoto) describes the gentle sound, 「雨音が」 (amaoto ga) is 'the sound of rain', and 「聞こえる。」 (kikoeru) means 'can be heard'.
昨夜から雨が___と降り続いている。
「しとしとと」は、雨が静かに、そして持続的に降る様子を表します。他の選択肢は、大雨（ざあざあと）、小雨がまばらに降る様子（ぽつぽつと、ぱらぱらと）を表します。
窓の外で、一日中___と雨が降っている。
雨が降り続く音の表現として「しとしとと」が適切です。「ゴロゴロ」は雷の音、「キラキラ」は光の輝き、「サラサラ」は水や砂が流れる音などを表します。
梅雨の時期は、毎日___と雨が降ることが多い。
梅雨（つゆ）の時期は、雨が静かに長く降り続く特徴があります。「しとしとと」がその様子をよく表します。「カンカンと」は太陽が強く照りつける様子、「ドンドンと」は大きな音が鳴る様子、「ポカポカと」は暖かさを表します。
雨が___と降る夜は、静かに過ごすのが好きだ。
静かに雨が降る夜の情景には「しとしとと」が合います。「ビュービューと」は風が吹く音、「ボロボロと」は物が崩れる様子、「ガタガタと」は物が揺れる音や寒さを表します。
散歩中に___と雨が降り始め、傘を差した。
傘を差すような穏やかな雨の降り始めには「しとしとと」が適切です。「ジリジリと」は日差しが強い様子、「バリバリと」は物が破れる音や稲妻の音、「ギラギラと」は光が強く輝く様子を表します。
この地方では、秋になると___と小雨が降ることがよくあります。
「しとしとと」は、秋の小雨が静かに降り続く様子によく使われます。「わいわいと」は人が賑やかに話す様子、「きらきらと」は光が輝く様子、「そよそよと」は風が穏やかに吹く様子を表します。
The rain has been falling gently since yesterday.
My mind calms down when I hear the sound of the gently falling rain.
Since it's been raining gently since morning, I decided to spend the whole day at home today.
Read this aloud:
しとしとと降る雨の中、傘をさして歩きました。
Focus: しとしとと
You said:
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Read this aloud:
窓の外でしとしとと雨が降る音を聞きながら、本を読みました。
Focus: しとしとと降る
You said:
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Read this aloud:
この時期は、しとしとと雨が降ることが多いですね。
Focus: しとしとと
You said:
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The particles が and と are used to connect the noun 雨 (ame, rain) and the adverb しとしとと (shitoshitoto, steadily/gently) to the verb 降っています (futteimasu, is falling).
窓の外では (mado no soto de wa, outside the window) sets the scene. しとしとと (shitoshitoto, steadily/gently) modifies 雨の音 (ame no oto, sound of rain). 聞こえる (kikoeru, can be heard) is the verb.
梅雨の季節 (tsuyu no kisetsu, rainy season) and 毎日 (mainichi, every day) establish the context. しとしとと (shitoshitoto, steadily/gently) describes how 雨 (ame, rain) 続く (tsuzuku, continues).
Choose the most appropriate word to describe rain falling gently and steadily: 雨が（ ）降っている。
「しとしとと」specifically describes rain falling gently and steadily. 「ざあざあと」is heavy rain, 「ぱらぱらと」is light sprinkling, and 「がんがん」is a loud banging sound.
Select the sentence where 「しとしとと」is used correctly.
「しとしとと」describes gentle rain, suitable for reading indoors. The other options imply actions taken in heavy or disruptive rain.
Which of the following is the closest nuance to 「しとしとと」when describing rain?
「しとしとと」conveys the image of rain falling steadily and softly, often for a prolonged period.
You can use 「しとしとと」to describe heavy rain with strong winds.
「しとしとと」is used for gentle, steady rain, not heavy rain with strong winds. For heavy rain, you would use words like 「ざあざあと」.
When it's raining 「しとしとと」, it's generally a good time to go for a run outside.
While 'shito shito to' describes gentle rain, it still means it's raining, which is not ideal for running outdoors without getting wet.
「しとしとと」can be used to describe the sound of a gentle stream.
「しとしとと」specifically describes the manner of rain falling, not the sound of a stream. Different onomatopoeia would be used for a stream.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
しとしとと describes rain falling gently and steadily, creating a soft, continuous sound.
- B1
- Onomatopoeia
- Rain
Hear the Sound
The sound of 'しとしとと' (shito shito to) is an onomatopoeia, meaning it imitates the sound it describes. Try to imagine the gentle patter of rain when you hear it. This helps with recall.
Associate with Gentle Rain
Always associate 'しとしとと' with gentle, steady rain, not a downpour or a sprinkle. It's that consistent, soft fall.
Use with '降る'
You'll most often hear 'しとしとと' used with the verb '降る' (furu), meaning 'to fall' (referring to rain). For example, 「雨がしとしとと降っています」 (Ame ga shito shito to futte imasu) means 'The rain is falling gently and steadily.'
It's an Adverb
Remember that 'しとしとと' is an adverb. It modifies verbs, describing how something is happening. In this case, how the rain is falling.
Related Content
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
