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B1 noun #5,000 most common 8 min read

梅雨

Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 梅雨 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 梅雨 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 梅雨 (Tsuyu) means the 'rainy season' in Japan. You will mostly hear it in June. It is a time when it rains a lot, and you need an umbrella (kasa). You can use it in simple sentences like 'Tsuyu desu' (It is the rainy season) or 'Tsuyu wa ame ga ooi desu' (There is a lot of rain in the rainy season). At this stage, just focus on recognizing the word when people talk about the weather. You might see hydrangeas (ajisai) blooming everywhere, which is a big sign of Tsuyu. Remember that it's a specific time of year, not just any rain. It's helpful to know 'Tsuyu-iri' (start) and 'Tsuyu-ake' (end) as simple markers for the season. Don't worry about the kanji too much yet, but try to remember the 'rain' radical on the bottom of the second character. It's a very common topic for greetings in June, so being able to say 'Tsuyu desu ne' (It's the rainy season, isn't it?) will help you make small talk with Japanese speakers.

At the A2 level, you can start using 梅雨 (Tsuyu) to describe your daily life and plans. You should understand that Tsuyu is very humid (shikki ga tsuyoi) and makes it difficult to dry clothes outside. You might say, 'Tsuyu no jiki wa sentakumono ga kawakimasen' (During the rainy season, laundry doesn't dry). You should also learn the common verbs used with it: Tsuyu-iri suru (to enter the rainy season) and Tsuyu-ake suru (to end the rainy season). For example, 'Kyou, Tsuyu-iri shimashita' (Today, we entered the rainy season). This level involves understanding that Tsuyu affects your activities—maybe you go to the museum instead of the park because of the rain. You can also start recognizing the kanji: 梅 (plum) and 雨 (rain). This is a great time to learn about 'Satsuki-bare', the sunny breaks during the rainy season. You will hear this word often on the news and in weather apps, so practicing with those resources is a good idea.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 梅雨 (Tsuyu) in more complex discussions about travel, climate, and culture. You can explain the impact of the rainy season on agriculture, specifically rice farming. You should be able to use terms like Tsuyu-zensen (rainy season front) and mushi-atsui (humid and hot) to describe the atmosphere accurately. You can discuss the psychological effect of the season, such as feeling gloomy (yu-utsu) because of the lack of sunlight. You should also be aware of the regional differences, such as the fact that Hokkaido doesn't really have a Tsuyu. You can use kara-tsuyu to describe a dry rainy season and discuss the consequences like water shortages. At this level, you can also start using the word in writing, such as in a blog post about your experience living in Japan or in a letter to a friend. You should understand the nuances of 'Tsuyu-zamu' (cold spells during the rainy season) and how to dress for them.

At the B2 level, you can use 梅雨 (Tsuyu) in academic or professional contexts. You can talk about the meteorological causes, such as the interaction between the Okhotsk High and the North Pacific High. You can analyze the economic impact of the rainy season on industries like retail (rain gear sales) and tourism (fewer outdoor activities). You should be familiar with the formal reading Baiu and when to use it versus the more common Tsuyu. You can also explore the historical and literary significance of the term, such as its appearance in classic poetry and how it has shaped Japanese aesthetics (e.g., the appreciation of moss and damp greenery). You should be able to handle complex sentence structures, like 'Tsuyu-ake ga osoku naru to, natsu no kikan ga mijikaku naru' (If the end of the rainy season is delayed, the summer period becomes shorter). Your vocabulary should include related terms like heya-boshi (indoor drying) and kabi-taisaku (mold prevention).

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 梅雨 (Tsuyu) and its many synonyms and poetic variations. You can distinguish between Tsuyu, Samidare, and Akisame with ease, choosing the most appropriate word for the register and context. You can discuss the nuances of the 'Plum Rain' etymology and its Chinese origins in detail. You are capable of reading and understanding complex scientific reports about the Baiu Zensen and its relationship to global climate change. In literature, you can interpret the symbolic use of the rainy season to represent stagnation, renewal, or hidden beauty. You can use idiomatic expressions related to rain and seasons fluently. Your conversation might include subtle observations about the changing patterns of Tsuyu over the decades and how urban heat islands affect the local humidity during this time. You can also explain the intricate cultural rituals associated with the season, such as the hanging of Teru Teru Bozu dolls to pray for clear skies.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 梅雨 (Tsuyu) is near-native. You can engage in high-level debates about the environmental policies needed to manage the heavy rainfall and potential flooding associated with the season. You can appreciate and compose Haiku that utilize the season word (kigo) for Tsuyu with perfect emotional resonance. You understand the most obscure meteorological terms and historical variations of the word. You can effortlessly switch between technical, formal, and highly colloquial registers when discussing the season. Your understanding extends to how Tsuyu is portrayed in various media, from ancient scrolls to modern cinema, and you can provide critical analysis of these portrayals. You are also aware of the cross-cultural comparisons with rainy seasons in other parts of the world, such as the monsoons in South Asia, and can discuss these in a sophisticated manner. Essentially, you understand the 'soul' of the Japanese rainy season and how it permeates every aspect of life, language, and thought.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

梅雨 in 30 Seconds

Tsuyu is Japan's rainy season, occurring from June to July.
The name literally means 'plum rain' because it coincides with plum ripening.
It is characterized by high humidity, gray skies, and persistent rainfall.
The season is vital for agriculture but often considered gloomy by residents.

The word 梅雨 (つゆ - Tsuyu) refers to the East Asian rainy season, a significant meteorological phenomenon that occurs primarily in Japan, Korea, and parts of China. In Japan, this period typically lasts from early June to mid-July, though the timing varies by region, starting earlier in the south (Okinawa) and moving northward. The term literally translates to plum rain, derived from the fact that the season coincides with the ripening of plums (梅 - ume). This is not just a period of occasional showers; it is a distinct season characterized by persistent cloudiness, high humidity, and frequent, often heavy, rainfall caused by a stationary front known as the 梅雨前線 (Baiu Zensen).

Cultural Significance: Tsuyu is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, representing a time of transition between spring and the sweltering heat of summer. While many find the constant dampness and mold growth (カビ - kabi) frustrating, it is historically vital for rice cultivation, providing the necessary water for the paddies.

今年の梅雨は例年より長く続いています。(This year's rainy season is lasting longer than usual.)

People use this word in daily conversation to discuss weather forecasts, laundry difficulties, and mood changes. It is also used in business contexts when planning outdoor events or logistics. The start of the season is called 梅雨入り (Tsuyu-iri) and the end is 梅雨明け (Tsuyu-ake). These milestones are officially announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency and are major news topics.

Linguistic Roots: The kanji combination 'Plum' and 'Rain' reflects the agricultural calendar of ancient Japan and China. Another theory suggests the 'tsu' comes from 'tsuyu' meaning dew, or 'tsui' meaning to rot, reflecting the moldy conditions.

梅雨の時期は、湿気が高くて洗濯物が乾きにくいです。(During the rainy season, the humidity is high and it's hard to dry laundry.)

もうすぐ梅雨明けですね。(The rainy season will be over soon, won't it?)

梅雨の中休みは、貴重な晴れの日です。(A break in the rainy season is a precious sunny day.)

早く梅雨が明けてほしいです。(I want the rainy season to end quickly.)

Daily Life Impact: During Tsuyu, people often use 'room drying' (heya-boshi) detergents and dehumidifiers. It is a time when the sale of umbrellas and rain boots spikes. It is also the season of hydrangeas (ajisai), which are the symbolic flower of Tsuyu, flourishing in the damp weather.

Using 梅雨 correctly involves understanding its specific verb pairings and the nouns it modifies. The most common verbs used with Tsuyu are hairu (to enter) and akeru (to end/open up). You don't usually say 'the rainy season started' with 'hajimaru'; instead, you use 梅雨入りする (tsuyu-iri suru). Similarly, the end is 梅雨明けする (tsuyu-ake suru).

Describing the Weather: To describe the characteristic weather, you use adjectives like 'shimeppoi' (damp/humid) or 'mushi-atsui' (steamy/hot). Example: 梅雨の時期は蒸し暑いですね (The rainy season period is muggy, isn't it?).

関東地方もいよいよ梅雨入りしました。(The Kanto region has finally entered the rainy season.)

Compound Nouns: 梅雨 (Tsuyu) frequently acts as a prefix: 梅雨空 (tsuyu-zora - rainy season sky), 梅雨時 (tsuyu-doki - rainy season time), 梅雨寒 (tsuyu-zamu - a cold spell during the rainy season).

梅雨明けが待ち遠しいです。(I'm looking forward to the end of the rainy season.)

梅雨の合間の晴天を有効に使いましょう。(Let's make good use of the clear weather during the gaps in the rainy season.)

In casual conversation, you might hear つゆつゆしてきた (tsuyu-tsuyu shite kita) as a playful way to say the rainy season vibes are starting. However, for most purposes, sticking to the standard noun form is best.

Negative Nuances: Because Tsuyu is associated with mold and dampness, it often carries a slightly negative or weary connotation in daily life. Sentences often revolve around complaining about the lack of sunlight or the difficulty of drying clothes.

今年の梅雨は雨が少なくて、水不足が心配です。(There is little rain this rainy season, so I'm worried about a water shortage.)

梅雨らしい天気が続いていますね。(The weather typical of the rainy season is continuing, isn't it?)

You will encounter 梅雨 everywhere in Japan during the months of May, June, and July. The most prominent place is the 天気予報 (tenki yohou - weather forecast). Meteorological announcers will use maps showing the 'Baiu Zensen' (rainy season front) moving across the archipelago. On TV, you will see graphics of umbrellas and clouds for weeks on end.

In Supermarkets and Shops: Retailers use 'Tsuyu' as a marketing theme. You will see signs for 梅雨対策 (Tsuyu taisaku - rainy season countermeasures), featuring mold-prevention sprays, dehumidifiers, and stylish rain gear. It's a seasonal commercial cycle just like Sakura or Christmas.

ニュース：『気象庁は今日、九州北部が梅雨入りしたとみられると発表しました。』(News: The Meteorological Agency announced today that Northern Kyushu appears to have entered the rainy season.)

At the Office and School: Casual 'small talk' (aisatsu) often revolves around Tsuyu. 'Tsuyu wa iya desu ne' (The rainy season is unpleasant, isn't it?) is a standard way to start a conversation with a colleague or neighbor. It's a shared social experience of enduring the humidity.

同僚：『梅雨の時期は、通勤が大変ですよね。』(Colleague: During the rainy season, commuting is such a pain, isn't it?)

店員：『梅雨に向けて、防水スプレーはいかがですか？』(Clerk: How about some waterproof spray for the upcoming rainy season?)

In Literature and Song: Tsuyu is a common theme in Haiku and traditional poetry, often associated with melancholy, longing, or the beauty of nature's resilience. Modern J-Pop songs also frequently use the rainy season as a metaphor for a heavy heart or a waiting period before a 'bright' summer.

ラジオ：『明日も梅雨空が広がるでしょう。』(Radio: The rainy season sky will likely spread tomorrow as well.)

友人：『今年の梅雨は、全然雨が降らないね。』(Friend: This year's rainy season, it's not raining at all, is it?)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 梅雨 to describe any period of rain. Tsuyu is a specific seasonal term. If it's raining in October, you cannot call it Tsuyu; that would be Ame (rain) or Akisame (autumn rain).

Misusing 'Start' and 'End': Learners often say 'Tsuyu ga hajimaru' (The rainy season begins). While understandable, the natural expression is 梅雨入りする (Tsuyu-iri suru). Similarly, don't say 'Tsuyu ga owaru' (The rainy season ends); use 梅雨明けする (Tsuyu-ake suru).

❌ 梅雨が始まりました。(Incorrect nuance)
✅ 梅雨入りしました。(Natural)

Confusion with 'Rainy Day': Don't confuse 'Tsuyu' with 'Ame no hi'. Tsuyu is the name of the season. If you want to say 'It's a rainy day,' say 'Ame no hi desu.' If you want to say 'It's the rainy season,' say 'Tsuyu no jiki desu.'

❌ 今日は梅雨です。(Today is rainy season - makes no sense)
✅ 今は梅雨の時期です。(It's the rainy season period now.)

Regional Misapplication: Remember that Tsuyu doesn't affect Hokkaido. If you are in Sapporo in June and it's raining, locals will not call it Tsuyu. Using the term there might mark you as a tourist or someone unfamiliar with Japanese geography.

❌ 北海道の梅雨はどうですか？ (How is Hokkaido's rainy season?)
✅ 北海道には梅雨がないそうですね。(I heard Hokkaido doesn't have a rainy season.)

❌ 梅雨の雨はきれいです。(Rainy season's rain is beautiful - grammatically okay but redundant).
✅ 梅雨の雨音は落ち着きます。(The sound of rain during the rainy season is calming.)

Japanese has an incredibly rich vocabulary for rain, and while 梅雨 is the most common term for the June/July season, other words exist for specific types of rain or different times of the year.

Comparison: Tsuyu vs. Samidare: 五月雨 (Samidare): Literally 'fifth-month rain'. In the old lunar calendar, the fifth month corresponds to June. While Samidare basically means the same as Tsuyu, it is much more poetic and used in literature and haiku rather than weather forecasts.

Comparison: Tsuyu vs. Akisame: 秋雨 (Akisame): This is the 'autumn rain' that occurs in September and October. It is similar to Tsuyu in that it is caused by a stationary front, but it is never called Tsuyu because of the season.

梅雨は湿気が多いですが、秋雨は少し涼しいです。(The rainy season is humid, but the autumn rain is a bit cool.)

Comparison: Tsuyu vs. Shigure: 時雨 (Shigure): This refers to cold, passing showers in late autumn or early winter. It is brief and intermittent, unlike the long-lasting, heavy rain of Tsuyu.

梅雨前線が停滞しています。(The rainy season front is stationary.) vs 時雨が通り過ぎた。(The passing shower has passed.)

Formal Alternative: Baiu: As mentioned, 黴雨/梅雨 (Baiu) is the On-yomi reading. While 'Tsuyu' is used in 90% of daily speech, 'Baiu' appears in technical documents, history books, and formal news. Interestingly, the 'Bai' in 'Baiu' can also be written with the kanji for 'mold' (黴), though this is rarely used today as 'plum' (梅) is more aesthetically pleasing.

今年の梅雨は空梅雨（からつゆ）ですね。(This year's rainy season is a 'dry' rainy season, isn't it?)

菜種梅雨（なたねづゆ）は、春先に降る長雨のことです。(Natane-zuyu refers to the long rains that fall in early spring, when the rapeseed flowers bloom.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

There is another theory that the word was originally written as '黴雨' (Baiu), where '黴' means mold, because things mold easily during this time. Because 'mold' was considered an unlucky character, it was replaced with the homophone 'plum'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtsuːjuː/

US /ˈtsuːjuː/

Flat pitch accent in Japanese (Heiban style), meaning the pitch starts low and stays high.

Rhymes With

Fuyu (Winter) Mayu (Cocoon) Kayu (Porridge) Kuyu (To regret) Nuyu (Rare reading) Juyu (Heavy oil) Shuyu (Moment) Gyu (Beef/Cow)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as two separate sounds 't-su'.
Confusing the pitch with 'tsuyu' meaning broth (though they are often the same in many dialects).
Over-emphasizing the 'y' sound.
Making the 'u' sounds too short.
Pronouncing the 'u' like the 'u' in 'cup'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji for 'Ume' and 'Ame' are basic, but the combination is unique.

Writing 4/5

Writing '梅' (plum) requires attention to the strokes in the 'tree' radical.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is simple, but the pitch accent needs care.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in context during the summer months.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

雨梅夏天気季節

Learn Next

湿度蒸し暑い紫陽花台風秋雨

Advanced

梅雨前線線状降水帯五月雨時雨

Grammar to Know

Noun + に入る (ni hairu)

梅雨に入る (To enter the rainy season).

Noun + が明ける (ga akeru)

梅雨が明ける (The rainy season ends).

〜やすい (yasui - easy to)

カビが生えやすい (Easy for mold to grow).

〜にくい (nikui - hard to)

洗濯物が乾きにくい (Laundry is hard to dry).

〜の合間に (no aima ni - in the intervals of)

梅雨の合間に (In the gaps of the rainy season).

Examples by Level

今は梅雨です。

Now is the rainy season.

Noun + desu (copula).

梅雨は雨が多いです。

There is a lot of rain in the rainy season.

Topic marker 'wa' + 'ooi' (adjective).

傘を持ってください。梅雨ですから。

Please take an umbrella. Because it's the rainy season.

Reasoning with 'kara'.

梅雨はいつですか？

When is the rainy season?

Question word 'itsu'.

梅雨が好きではありません。

I don't like the rainy season.

Negative form of 'suki'.

梅雨の雨はきれいです。

The rainy season rain is beautiful.

Particle 'no' to link nouns.

日本には梅雨があります。

Japan has a rainy season.

Existence verb 'arimasu'.

梅雨にアジサイが咲きます。

Hydrangeas bloom in the rainy season.

Time particle 'ni'.

もうすぐ梅雨入りですね。

The rainy season will start soon, won't it?

Tsuyu-iri (noun) + ne (particle).

梅雨の時期は洗濯物が乾きません。

During the rainy season, laundry doesn't dry.

Potential negative 'kawakimasen'.

梅雨明けが楽しみです。

I'm looking forward to the end of the rainy season.

Tsuyu-ake (noun) + tanoshimi.

今日は梅雨の中休みで、いい天気です。

Today is a break in the rainy season, so the weather is good.

Tsuyu no naka-yasumi (compound noun).

梅雨の湿気で髪がまとまりません。

My hair is messy because of the rainy season humidity.

Cause particle 'de'.

デパートで梅雨のキャンペーンをやっています。

The department store is having a rainy season campaign.

Action in progress 'yatte imasu'.

梅雨入りは平年より早かったです。

The start of the rainy season was earlier than usual.

Comparison 'yori'.

梅雨の間は、家で本を読みます。

During the rainy season, I read books at home.

Duration 'no aida'.

梅雨前線が停滞しているので、明日も雨でしょう。

Because the rainy season front is stationary, it will likely rain tomorrow too.

Teitai (stationary) + node (reason).

梅雨の時期は、カビが生えやすいので注意してください。

In the rainy season, mold grows easily, so please be careful.

Stem + yasui (easy to).

今年の梅雨は空梅雨で、ダムの水位が下がっています。

This year's rainy season is a dry one, and the dam's water level is dropping.

Kara-tsuyu (dry rainy season).

梅雨明けとともに、本格的な夏がやってきます。

With the end of the rainy season, the real summer arrives.

To tomo ni (along with).

梅雨寒の日は、上着が必要です。

On cold rainy season days, a jacket is necessary.

Tsuyu-zamu (cold spell in Tsuyu).

梅雨の晴れ間を狙って、布団を干しました。

Aiming for a break in the rainy season, I aired out my futon.

Hare-ma (break in the rain).

沖縄の梅雨入りは、本州よりも一ヶ月ほど早いです。

The start of the rainy season in Okinawa is about a month earlier than in Honshu.

Hodo (approximate amount).

梅雨のジメジメした空気は苦手です。

I'm not good with the damp, clammy air of the rainy season.

Onomatopoeia 'jime-jime'.

梅雨の長雨は、日本の稲作にとって不可欠な恵みの雨です。

The long rains of the rainy season are an essential blessing for Japanese rice cultivation.

Inasaku (rice farming) + fukakesu (indispensable).

気象庁は、梅雨明けの時期を特定するのが難しいと述べています。

The Meteorological Agency states that it is difficult to specify the timing of the end of the rainy season.

Tokutei suru (to specify).

梅雨末期には、集中豪雨が発生しやすくなるので警戒が必要です。

In the final stages of the rainy season, localized torrential rain becomes more likely, so vigilance is required.

Makki (final stage) + keikai (vigilance).

梅雨の到来を告げるアジサイが、街を彩っています。

The hydrangeas that herald the arrival of the rainy season are coloring the town.

Tourai (arrival) + tsugeru (to herald).

最近は、梅雨のパターンが以前とは異なってきているようです。

Lately, it seems that the pattern of the rainy season is changing from what it used to be.

Koto-naru (to differ).

梅雨時の食中毒対策として、加熱調理を徹底しましょう。

As a countermeasure against food poisoning during the rainy season, let's ensure thorough cooking with heat.

Shokuchuudoku (food poisoning) + tettei (thoroughness).

梅雨の晴れ間を『五月晴れ』と呼ぶこともあります。

A break in the rainy season is sometimes called 'Satsuki-bare'.

To yobu (to call).

梅雨が明けると、太平洋高気圧が日本列島を覆います。

When the rainy season ends, the Pacific High covers the Japanese archipelago.

Oou (to cover).

梅雨の鬱陶しい天気が続くと、気分まで沈みがちになります。

When the gloomy weather of the rainy season continues, one's mood tends to sink as well.

Uttoushii (gloomy) + gachi (tends to).

古来より、梅雨は多くの和歌や俳句の題材となってきました。

Since ancient times, the rainy season has been a subject for many Waka and Haiku poems.

Korai (ancient times) + daizai (subject matter).

梅雨前線の南北への微妙な動きが、各地の降水量を左右します。

The subtle north-south movement of the rainy season front determines the rainfall in various regions.

Sayuu suru (to influence/determine).

梅雨の時期特有の、しっとりとした情緒を愉しむ心の余裕を持ちたいものです。

I want to have the mental leeway to enjoy the moist, atmospheric charm unique to the rainy season.

Tokuyuu (unique) + jousho (atmosphere/emotion).

温暖化の影響で、梅雨の期間の短縮や降雨の激甚化が懸念されています。

Due to global warming, there are concerns about the shortening of the rainy season and the intensification of rainfall.

Gekijinka (intensification).

梅雨の季節に、敢えて雨の似合う鎌倉などの古都を訪ねるのも一興です。

It is also a pleasure to dare to visit old capitals like Kamakura, which suit the rain, during the rainy season.

Aete (dare to) + ikkyou (a pleasure).

梅雨の長雨に打たれる青葉は、いっそうその輝きを増します。

The green leaves pelted by the long rains of the rainy season increase their brilliance even more.

Utareru (to be struck/pelted).

梅雨の時期の湿度は、木造建築の維持管理において大きな課題となります。

Humidity during the rainy season becomes a major challenge in the maintenance of wooden buildings.

Iji-kanri (maintenance).

梅雨という季節が日本人の勤勉さや忍耐強い国民性を育んだという説もあります。

There is a theory that the season of Tsuyu nurtured the diligence and patient national character of the Japanese people.

Hagukunda (nurtured) + setsu (theory).

梅雨前線の挙動を正確に予測することは、現代の気象学においても尚、難事とされています。

Accurately predicting the behavior of the rainy season front is still considered a difficult task even in modern meteorology.

Kyodou (behavior) + nanji (difficult task).

梅雨の晴れ間に差し込む陽光は、万物に生命力を吹き込むかのようです。

The sunlight that breaks through the rainy season gaps seems to breathe life into all things.

Banbutsu (all things) + fukikomu (to breathe into).

梅雨の時期の『走り梅雨』や『返り梅雨』といった言葉には、日本人の繊細な季節感が表れています。

Words like 'hashiri-zuyu' (early onset) and 'kaeri-zuyu' (return of rain) reflect the delicate seasonal sense of the Japanese.

Sensai (delicate) + arawarete iru (is expressed).

梅雨の時期の停滞前線は、しばしば線状降水帯を形成し、甚大な被害をもたらします。

Stationary fronts during the rainy season often form linear precipitation zones, causing immense damage.

Senjou kousuitai (linear precipitation zone).

梅雨の時期の雨音に耳を澄ませば、自然との一体感を感じることができます。

If you listen closely to the sound of rain during the rainy season, you can feel a sense of unity with nature.

Mimi o sumaseba (if you listen closely).

梅雨の季節の移ろいは、私たちの生活様式のみならず、精神構造にも深く関わっています。

The transition of the rainy season is deeply involved not only in our lifestyle but also in our psychological structure.

Nominarazu (not only).

梅雨明けの宣言は、単なる気象情報の提供を超え、社会全体の心理的転換点となります。

The declaration of the end of the rainy season goes beyond mere weather information and becomes a psychological turning point for society as a whole.

Tenkanten (turning point).

Common Collocations

梅雨入りする

梅雨明けする

梅雨前線

梅雨の時期

梅雨空

梅雨寒

梅雨の中休み

梅雨末期

走り梅雨

返り梅雨

Common Phrases

梅雨らしい天気

— Weather typical of the rainy season (gloomy, rainy).

今日は梅雨らしい天気ですね。

梅雨の晴れ間

— A brief sunny interval during the rainy season.

梅雨の晴れ間に洗濯を済ませる。

梅雨を乗り切る

— To get through or survive the rainy season.

美味しいものを食べて梅雨を乗り切ろう。

梅雨に入る

— To enter the rainy season (less formal than Tsuyu-iri).

そろそろ梅雨に入る頃だ。

梅雨が明ける

— The rainy season ends.

早く梅雨が明けてほしい。

梅雨の影響

— The influence/effect of the rainy season.

梅雨の影響で野菜の値段が上がった。

梅雨対策

— Countermeasures for the rainy season (e.g., mold prevention).

しっかり梅雨対策をしましょう。

梅雨の合間

— The gaps/intervals in the rainy season rain.

梅雨の合間に散歩に出かける。

梅雨の湿気

— The humidity of the rainy season.

梅雨の湿気でパンがカビた。

梅雨の長雨

— The long-lasting rain of the rainy season.

梅雨の長雨が続くと気が滅入る。

Often Confused With

梅雨 vs 雨 (Ame)

Ame is generic 'rain'. Tsuyu is the 'season' of rain.

梅雨 vs 秋雨 (Akisame)

Akisame is autumn rain. Tsuyu is early summer rain.

梅雨 vs 露 (Tsuyu)

Written with a different kanji, this means 'dew'. They are homophones.

Idioms & Expressions

"梅雨の合間の五月晴れ"

— A rare sunny day during the rainy season, used to describe a brief moment of happiness or luck.

この合格は、梅雨の合間の五月晴れのようなものだ。

Metaphorical

"梅雨の水を飲む"

— Literally 'drinking rainy season water', referring to crops (especially rice) benefiting from the rain.

稲が梅雨の水を飲んで成長している。

Agricultural

"梅雨の雷は梅雨明けの合図"

— Thunder during the rainy season is a sign that it is about to end.

雷が鳴ったから、もうすぐ梅雨明けだね。

Proverb/Folk Wisdom

"梅雨の入りの三日間"

— The first three days of the rainy season, often thought to set the pattern for the whole season.

梅雨の入りの三日間が雨なら、今年は雨が多いだろう。

Folk Wisdom

"梅雨の晴れ間は金の価値"

— A sunny day during the rainy season is as valuable as gold.

梅雨の晴れ間は金の価値だから、遊びに行こう。

Colloquial

"梅雨時の女の心"

— Comparing a woman's heart to the unpredictable weather of the rainy season.

梅雨時の女の心は変わりやすい。

Old-fashioned/Colloquial

"梅雨の月"

— The moon hidden behind clouds during the rainy season, symbolizing something rare or dim.

梅雨の月のように、彼の才能は隠れている。

Literary

"梅雨の雫"

— Raindrops of the rainy season, often used to describe tears or sadness.

彼女の目には梅雨の雫が浮かんでいた。

Poetic

"梅雨の空模様"

— Uncertain or gloomy weather/situation.

景気はまだ梅雨の空模様だ。

Metaphorical

"梅雨の合間に洗濯"

— Making the best of a difficult situation or limited opportunity.

忙しい合間に、梅雨の合間に洗濯をするように仕事を片付けた。

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

梅雨 vs 五月雨 (Samidare)

Both refer to the same seasonal rain.

Samidare is poetic and based on the old calendar; Tsuyu is the standard modern term.

俳句では五月雨と言います。

梅雨 vs 夕立 (Yuudachi)

Both are types of rain.

Yuudachi is a sudden evening shower in summer; Tsuyu is long-lasting seasonal rain.

夕立が来たので雨宿りした。

梅雨 vs しぐれ (Shigure)

Both are seasonal rains.

Shigure is late autumn/early winter passing showers; Tsuyu is persistent early summer rain.

冬のしぐれは冷たい。

梅雨 vs 春雨 (Harusame)

Both are seasonal rains.

Harusame is gentle spring rain; Tsuyu is heavy rainy season rain.

春雨に濡れて歩く。

梅雨 vs 豪雨 (Gouu)

Tsuyu often involves Gouu.

Gouu means 'torrential rain' (intensity); Tsuyu is the 'season' (timing).

梅雨末期の豪雨に警戒。

Sentence Patterns

今は[Noun]です。

今は梅雨です。

[Noun]は[Adjective]です。

梅雨は湿気が多いです。

[Noun]のせいで[Result]。

梅雨のせいで洗濯物が乾きません。

[Noun]を[Verb]ます。

梅雨を楽しみます。

[Noun]に伴い、[Change]。

梅雨明けに伴い、気温が上昇します。

[Noun]ならではの[Noun]。

梅雨ならではの情緒があります。

[Noun]に思いを馳せる。

梅雨の雨に思いを馳せる。

[Noun]が[Noun]に及ぼす影響。

梅雨が日本人の精神性に及ぼす影響。

Word Family

Nouns

梅雨入り

梅雨明け

梅雨前線

空梅雨

走り梅雨

戻り梅雨

Verbs

梅雨入りする

梅雨明けする

Adjectives

梅雨らしい

雨

湿気

カビ

紫陽花

傘

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high during June and July; low during other months.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Tsuyu' for rain in December. → Ame / Fuyu no ame
Tsuyu is only for the specific early summer rainy season.
Saying 'Tsuyu ga hajimaru'. → 梅雨入りしました。
The noun-verb compound 'Tsuyu-iri suru' is much more natural.
Saying 'Kyou wa Tsuyu desu'. → 今は梅雨の時期です。
Tsuyu is a season, not a daily weather condition like 'sunny'.
Pronouncing it as 'Tsu-YOO'. → Tsuyu (Flat pitch).
Over-emphasizing the second syllable can change the meaning or sound unnatural.
Thinking Hokkaido has Tsuyu. → Hokkaido ni wa Tsuyu ga nai.
Locals in Hokkaido don't use this term for their June weather.

Tips

Enjoy the Hydrangeas

Don't let the rain stop you from visiting temples. Hydrangeas (Ajisai) look their best in the soft light of a rainy day.

Buy a Sturdy Umbrella

Cheap plastic umbrellas are common, but a strong 16-rib umbrella is better for the persistent winds of the rainy season.

Check for Mold

Keep your closets open and use dehumidifying packets (mizu-tori-zousan) to prevent your clothes from molding.

Use it for Small Talk

If you don't know what to say, just mention how 'Tsuyu-ish' the weather is. It works every time in June.

Go North

If you hate the rain, June is the perfect time to visit Hokkaido, as they escape the heavy Tsuyu rains.

Learn the Verbs

Remember 'Tsuyu-iri' and 'Tsuyu-ake'. Using 'hajimaru' and 'owaru' makes you sound like a beginner.

Air Out the House

On the rare sunny days (Tsuyu no naka-yasumi), open all your windows and air out your futons!

Be Careful with Food

Humidity makes food spoil faster. Be extra careful about food poisoning (shokuchuudoku) during this month.

Rain Boots are Fashionable

In Japan, rain boots (rain bootsu) are quite stylish. Don't be afraid to wear them to work or out.

Embrace the Gloom

Think of Tsuyu as a time for indoor hobbies like reading, gaming, or studying Japanese!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Plum' (梅) falling in the 'Rain' (雨). Plums love water to grow, and this season gives them plenty!

Visual Association

Imagine a bright purple hydrangea flower dripping with raindrops next to a bowl of green plums.

Word Web

Rain June Humidity Plums Mold Hydrangeas Umbrella Japan

Challenge

Try to use 'Tsuyu-iri' and 'Tsuyu-ake' in a sentence today when talking about the weather or your schedule.

Word Origin

The term originates from China. The characters '梅' (plum) and '雨' (rain) were chosen because the rainy season occurs when plums ripen in East Asia. It was introduced to Japan during the Nara or Heian period.

Original meaning: Rain that falls during the ripening of plums.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when complaining too much about Tsuyu to farmers, as it is a vital 'blessing' for their crops.

English speakers often just call it the 'rainy season', but 'Monsoon' is sometimes used for similar patterns in other countries. However, Japan's Tsuyu is less intense but more persistent than a tropical monsoon.

The Garden of Words (Anime by Makoto Shinkai) - heavily features Tsuyu imagery. Haiku by Matsuo Basho often mention the 'Samidare' (rainy season). Many J-dramas use the 'Tsuyu-ake' as a moment of emotional clarity for characters.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecast

梅雨前線が停滞
梅雨入り
梅雨明け
平年並み

Small Talk

梅雨ですね
ジメジメしますね
洗濯物が...
早く明けてほしい

Shopping/Marketing

梅雨対策
レイングッズ
除湿機
カビ防止

Agriculture

恵みの雨
水不足
稲の成長
空梅雨

Tourism

アジサイの名所
雨の京都
屋内施設
旅行の計画

Conversation Starters

"今年の梅雨入りはいつ頃になりそうですかね？ (When do you think the rainy season will start this year?)"

"梅雨の時期、洗濯物はどうしていますか？ (How do you handle laundry during the rainy season?)"

"梅雨の雨音って、落ち着くと思いませんか？ (Don't you think the sound of rainy season rain is calming?)"

"梅雨が明けたら、どこかへ旅行に行きたいですね。 (I want to go on a trip once the rainy season ends.)"

"梅雨の時期におすすめの過ごし方はありますか？ (Do you have any recommendations for how to spend time during the rainy season?)"

Journal Prompts

梅雨の時期のあなたの気分について書いてください。 (Write about your mood during the rainy season.)

梅雨の晴れ間に何をしたいですか？ (What do you want to do during a break in the rainy season?)

あなたの国に梅雨のような季節はありますか？ (Is there a season like Tsuyu in your country?)

梅雨の時期に咲くアジサイの美しさについて述べてください。 (Describe the beauty of hydrangeas that bloom during the rainy season.)

梅雨を快適に過ごすためのアイデアを考えてください。 (Think of ideas for spending the rainy season comfortably.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it doesn't rain every day. There are often breaks called 'Tsuyu no naka-yasumi' where it can be quite sunny and hot. However, the sky remains cloudy more often than not.

The name comes from the fact that the season coincides with the time when plums (ume) ripen. It's an ancient term from China that was adopted into Japanese culture.

They are similar in that they are seasonal rain patterns, but Tsuyu is generally less violent and wind-driven than the monsoons found in South Asia or Southeast Asia.

Most of Japan does, but Hokkaido is famous for having very little to no rainy season. The 'Baiu Zensen' front usually weakens or dissipates before reaching that far north.

In central Japan (like Tokyo), it usually ends around July 20th. In Okinawa, it ends much earlier, usually in late June.

Many people dry clothes indoors using dehumidifiers, special 'room-dry' detergents, or bathroom ventilation systems with drying functions.

It depends. It's less crowded and the gardens are beautiful, but the humidity can be uncomfortable and outdoor plans might be ruined by rain.

It means 'Dry Rainy Season'. It refers to a year when there is significantly less rain than average during the Tsuyu period, which can lead to water shortages.

They are traditional handmade dolls made of white paper or cloth. Children hang them outside windows to pray for good weather the next day.

While not 'Tsuyu-specific', this is the season for making pickled plums (umeboshi) and enjoying seasonal produce like hydrangeas (visually) and summer vegetables.