A2 noun #2,700 most common 5 min read

はれ

It's a beautiful day with no clouds in the sky!

hare

Explanation at your level:

Hello! Today we learn a Japanese word: はれ (hare). It means 'sunny weather'. When the sky is blue and the sun is out, we say hare. It is like saying 'clear day' in English. You can use it to talk about the weather. For example, 'Today is hare.' This means today is sunny. It’s a happy word for a happy day!

Let's talk about はれ (hare). This Japanese word means 'clear weather' or 'sunny day'. You use it when there are no clouds and the sun is shining. It's the opposite of rain (ame) or clouds (kumori). For example, you can say, 'The weather is hare today.' (Kyou wa hare desu). It's a very common word for describing nice weather, perfect for going outside.

The Japanese word はれ (hare) refers to clear, sunny weather. It's a fundamental term used when the sky is cloudless and the sun is shining brightly. You'll often hear it in weather forecasts or when people are discussing plans for a nice day. A common phrase is hare no hi (晴れの日), meaning 'a sunny day'. Understanding hare helps you grasp basic weather-related conversations in Japanese.

はれ (hare) is the Japanese noun for clear, sunny weather. It signifies the absence of clouds and precipitation, indicating optimal conditions for outdoor activities. Beyond its literal meteorological meaning, hare often carries positive connotations of clarity, brightness, and good fortune. Phrases like harema (晴れ間), meaning a sunny spell or break in the clouds, can also be used metaphorically to describe moments of relief or happiness during challenging times.

In Japanese, はれ (hare) denotes clear, sunny weather, the antithesis of ame (rain) or kumori (cloudy). Its usage extends beyond mere meteorological description; it is often imbued with cultural significance, symbolizing auspiciousness, clarity, and positive outcomes. The term hare-goto (晴れ事), referring to celebratory events like weddings, highlights this association with joyous occasions. Furthermore, the expression harebare to shita (晴れ晴れとした) describes a feeling of exhilaration and mental clarity, akin to the refreshing sensation of a bright, clear day.

The Japanese term はれ (hare), originating from the verb hareru (晴れる), signifies clear, sunny weather. Its etymological roots point to the act of 'clearing up'. Historically, the ability to predict and describe hare was vital for agrarian societies. The kanji character 晴 itself, often composed of radicals related to sun and clearing, encapsulates this meaning. Beyond its literal meteorological function, hare is deeply interwoven with Japanese cultural perceptions, frequently symbolizing purity, good fortune, and the successful resolution of difficulties. Its metaphorical extensions, such as harema (a sunny interval, also a metaphorical respite) and hare-goto (celebratory events), demonstrate its rich semantic range and cultural resonance, reflecting a worldview where clear skies often correlate with positive life events and mental states.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Hare (晴れ) means clear, sunny weather.
  • It's a common, neutral term used in daily conversation and forecasts.
  • It carries positive connotations of brightness and clarity.
  • Related terms include 'harema' (sunny spell) and 'hareyakana' (bright/cheerful).

Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese word はれ (hare). This word is your go-to for describing those perfect, bright, sunny days. Imagine stepping outside and seeing a sky completely free of clouds, with the warm sun shining down – that's exactly what hare means!

It's a super common and useful word in Japanese, especially when you're talking about the weather. Think of it as the ultimate good weather signal. When someone says it's hare, you can expect clear skies and sunshine, perfect for outdoor activities like picnics, hiking, or just enjoying a stroll. It’s the kind of weather that lifts everyone’s spirits!

The feeling associated with hare is often one of positivity and brightness, mirroring the clear skies themselves. It’s not just about the absence of rain; it’s about the presence of light and warmth. So, next time you hear about hare, picture a brilliant, cloudless day!

The word はれ (hare) comes to us directly from the Japanese language. Its roots are quite straightforward, stemming from the verb hareru (晴れる), which means 'to clear up' or 'to become sunny'. The noun form hare essentially captures the state or condition of the weather when it has cleared up.

Historically, understanding and describing weather was crucial for agriculture and daily life in Japan. Words like hare would have been essential for planning activities, from farming to travel. The character 晴 itself, used to write hare, is composed of elements that evoke sunlight and clearing. It’s a character that has been used for centuries to denote brightness and fine weather.

While the core meaning has remained consistent, the cultural significance of hare has also evolved. It often carries connotations of good fortune, clarity, and a fresh start, much like the feeling of a bright new day after a period of gloom. It’s a simple word, but it’s deeply embedded in the Japanese experience of nature and the passage of time.

You'll hear はれ (hare) used all the time when discussing the weather in Japanese. It's a fundamental term, so mastering it will really help you understand daily conversations. It's typically used as a noun, often appearing in phrases that describe the weather forecast or the current conditions.

Some common phrases you'll encounter include: hare no hi (晴れの日), meaning 'a sunny day'. This is a very frequent collocation. You might also hear hare-gumo nashi (晴れ、雲なし), meaning 'clear sky, no clouds'. When talking about weather forecasts, you'll often see it paired with other weather terms, like hare tokidoki kumori (晴れ時々曇り), meaning 'sunny, sometimes cloudy'.

The register for hare is generally neutral, making it suitable for most situations, from casual chats with friends to more formal weather reports. It’s not slang, nor is it overly academic. Think of it as the standard, everyday word for sunshine. Using hare correctly will make your Japanese sound much more natural when you're discussing the day's outlook or reminiscing about a beautiful day.

While はれ (hare) itself is a straightforward word for clear weather, it appears in a few expressions that carry deeper meanings. These idioms often use the idea of 'clearing up' to represent more than just a change in the sky.

One common expression is harema (晴れ間), which literally means 'a break in the clouds' or 'a sunny spell'. It refers to a temporary period of clear weather within a generally cloudy or rainy spell. This can also be used metaphorically to mean a moment of relief or happiness during difficult times.

Another related concept is hare-goto (晴れ事), which means 'a celebratory event' or 'a joyous occasion'. This often refers to happy events like weddings or graduations, where the atmosphere is bright and cheerful, much like a sunny day. The idea is that these are occasions that 'clear away' the ordinary or mundane, bringing special happiness.

You might also hear the phrase harebare shita kimochi (晴れ晴れした気持ち), meaning 'a refreshed or exhilarated feeling'. This describes a state of mental clarity and happiness, as if a cloud has lifted from one's mind. It perfectly captures the uplifting effect of both good weather and good news.

The Japanese word はれ (hare) is a noun. As a noun, it doesn't change its form for pluralization in the way English words do. So, 'one sunny day' and 'many sunny days' would both use hare, with the quantity indicated by context or other words.

Pronunciation is key! In standard Japanese, hare is pronounced with two syllables: 'ha' and 're'. The 'h' sound is like the English 'h', the 'a' is like the 'a' in 'father', and the 're' is like the English 're' in 'red', but with a slightly softer 'r' sound, almost like a flick of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. There's no strong stress on either syllable; it's fairly even.

For British English speakers, it sounds very close to 'hah-reh'. For American English speakers, it's similar to 'hah-ray', but remember the 'r' is softer. There aren't really rhyming words in English that perfectly match hare due to its specific vowel sounds and the soft 'r', but words like 'rare' or 'air' share some vowel sounds.

Fun Fact

The kanji character 晴 (sei, hare) itself is composed of 日 (sun) and 青 (blue), suggesting 'blue sky' or 'sunshine'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈhɑː.ɹe/

Sounds like 'HAH-reh', with the first syllable slightly more emphasized, and a soft, tapped 'r' sound similar to the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of 'butter'.

US /ˈhɑː.ɹe/

Similar to British English, 'HAH-reh'. The 'r' sound is the standard American 'r', and the 'e' at the end is a short 'eh' sound.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly, like in 'red'. The Japanese 'r' is softer, often like a flick of the tongue.
  • Adding an 'i' sound at the end, making it sound like 'hah-ray-ee'. The final sound is a clear 'eh'.
  • Stressing the second syllable too much. The stress is relatively even, perhaps slightly more on the first.

Rhymes With

tare (タレ - sauce) kare (かれ - he/him) fare (フェア - fair, loanword) share (シェア - share, loanword)

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to read and understand.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding basic Japanese sentence structure.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is relatively straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard word, easy to recognize in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

天気 (tenki - weather) 空 (sora - sky) 日 (hi - day/sun)

Learn Next

曇り (kumori - cloudy) 雨 (ame - rain) 雪 (yuki - snow) 風 (kaze - wind)

Advanced

快晴 (kaisei - fine weather) 晴れ間 (harema - sunny spell) 晴れやかな (hareyakana - bright/cheerful)

Grammar to Know

Topic Marker 'wa' (は)

今日は晴れです。(Kyou wa hare desu.) - Today is sunny.

Noun + の + Noun (Possessive/Descriptive)

晴れの日 (hare no hi) - Sunny day

Verb Conjugation: Potential Form (e.g., 晴れる hareru -> 晴れる hareru)

明日、晴れるといいな。(Ashita, hareru to ii na.) - I hope it clears up tomorrow.

Examples by Level

1

今日ははれです。

Today sunny is.

'wa' is a topic marker.

2

いいはれです。

Good sunny is.

'ii' means 'good'.

3

はれ、すきです。

Sunny, like.

'suki desu' means 'like'.

4

あめじゃありません。

Rain not is.

'ja arimasen' is the negative form.

5

そらはあおいです。

Sky is blue.

'sora' means 'sky'.

6

たいようがきらきら。

Sun is sparkling.

'taiyou' means 'sun'.

7

そとにいく?

Outside go?

'soto ni iku?' is a question: 'Shall we go outside?'

8

たのしいひです。

Fun day is.

'tanoshii hi' means 'fun day'.

1

明日はれになりますか。

Tomorrow sunny become will?

'Ashita' means tomorrow.

2

今日はとてもはれで気持ちがいいです。

Today very sunny and feeling good is.

'Kimochi ii' means 'feels good'.

3

傘はいりません、はれですから。

Umbrella needed not, sunny because.

'kara' means 'because'.

4

週末はれだといいな。

Weekend sunny if good hope.

'to ii na' expresses a wish.

5

このはれの日には公園に行きましょう。

This sunny day in park go let's.

'ni ikimashou' is a suggestion: 'Let's go'.

6

雨がやんで、はれになりました。

Rain stopped, sunny became.

'yande' is the te-form of 'yaru' (to stop).

7

洗濯物はよく乾きます、はれの日なので。

Laundry dries well, sunny day because.

'Sentakumono' means laundry.

8

彼とはれやかな顔をしていた。

He sunny/bright face was making.

'Hareyakana kao' means a bright/happy face.

1

明日の天気予報は、全国的に晴れでしょう。

Tomorrow's weather forecast is, nationwide sunny will be.

'Zenkoku-teki ni' means nationwide.

2

こんなに晴れていると、外でピクニックをしたくなりますね。

This much sunny is, outside picnic want to do.

'~shitaku narimasu' means 'want to do ~'.

3

長雨の後、ようやく晴れ間が見えてきた。

Long rain after, finally sunny break appeared.

'Youyaku' means finally.

4

晴れの特異日という言葉を聞いたことがありますか。

Sunny special day called word heard have?

'Tokui-bi' refers to a day with historically consistent weather.

5

彼の顔は、まるで晴れた日のように明るかった。

His face, just like a sunny day's was bright.

Simile using 'marude ~ no you ni'.

6

晴れの日には、遠くまで見渡せる。

Sunny day on, far away can see.

'Miwataseru' means 'can see far and wide'.

7

低気圧が去り、高気圧に覆われて晴れる見込みです。

Low pressure moves away, high pressure covers sunny expected.

'Mikomi' means prospect or expectation.

8

彼女は晴れやかな表情で、新しい挑戦に臨んだ。

She bright/cheerful expression with, new challenge faced.

'Rinunda' is the past tense of 'noru' (to face/confront).

1

梅雨明け十日という言葉があるように、本格的な夏の晴れが続くことを期待したい。

Rainy season end ten days phrase exists as, full-scale summer's clear weather continues hope want.

'Tsuyu-ake' is the end of the rainy season.

2

悪天候が予想されたが、幸いにも晴れ間が広がり、イベントは無事開催された。

Bad weather predicted but, fortunately sunny intervals spread, event safely held.

'Buji' means safely or without incident.

3

彼のスピーチは、聴衆の心に晴れやかな風を吹き込んだかのようだった。

His speech, audience's hearts into bright wind blew as if.

Metaphorical use of 'hareyakana kaze'.

4

長引く不況から脱却し、経済に晴れ間が差すことを誰もが願っている。

Prolonged recession from escape, economy into sunny break shines everyone wishes.

'Fukyou' means recession.

5

晴れの日には富士山がくっきりと見えるが、曇りの日はその姿を拝むことはできない。

Sunny day on, Mt. Fuji clearly seen but, cloudy day on its figure worship cannot.

'Kukkiri to' means clearly or distinctly.

6

この地域の年間の晴天率は高く、観光業にとって有利な条件となっている。

This region's annual clear sky rate is high, tourism industry for advantageous condition is.

'Seiten-ritsu' means percentage of clear days.

7

子供たちの晴れ舞台である運動会が、雨で順延されたのは残念だった。

Children's stage being sports day rain by postponed was regrettable.

'Undokai' is a school sports day.

8

彼の決断は、長年の懸案事項に終止符を打ち、皆に晴れやかな気持ちをもたらした。

His decision, long-standing pending issue to end put, everyone to bright feeling brought.

'Ken'an jikou' means a pending or unresolved issue.

1

気象学的には、晴れとは雲量1割以下の状態を指すが、日常会話ではより広範な意味で使われる。

Meteorologically, clear sky means cloud cover 10% or less state refers to, in daily conversation broader meaning used.

'Unryou' means cloud cover.

2

その作家は、登場人物たちの内面の葛藤が解消される様を、あたかも空が晴れていくかのように巧みに描写した。

That author, characters' inner conflicts resolved manner, just as if sky clearing up like skillfully depicted.

'Katsudou' means conflict or struggle.

3

長引く自粛生活に一筋の晴れ間が差し込んだのは、ワクチン接種計画の発表だった。

Prolonged self-restraint life into a ray of sunshine shone was, vaccine inoculation plan's announcement was.

'Jishuku' means self-restraint or voluntary restriction.

4

彼の弁明は、疑惑の雲を晴らすには至らず、かえって疑念を深める結果となった。

His explanation, suspicion's clouds clear reach not, rather doubt deepen result became.

'Ginen' means doubt or suspicion.

5

晴れ舞台に臨む緊張感と高揚感を同時に抱えながら、彼は静かにその時を待った。

Bright stage facing tension and exhilaration simultaneously holding, he quietly that time waited.

'Kouyoukan' means exhilaration or excitement.

6

この地域の伝統的な祭りには、豊作と晴天を祈願する神事が行われる。

This region's traditional festival in, abundant harvest and clear weather pray for ritual is performed.

'Shingi' means a Shinto ritual.

7

かつての暗雲が立ち込める状況から一転、彼は今や公私ともに晴れやかな日々を送っている。

Past dark clouds looming situation from change, he now both public and private brightly days is living.

'Kōshi tomo ni' means both public and private.

8

彼の芸術は、社会の閉塞感を打ち破り、人々に晴れやかな視点を提供することを目指している。

His art, society's sense of stagnation break through, people to bright perspective provide aim is.

'Heisokukan' means a sense of stagnation or blockage.

1

『万葉集』には、晴れた日の情景を詠んだ歌が数多く見られ、当時の人々の自然観を窺い知ることができる。

'Manyoshu' in, sunny day's scenery composed poems many seen, that time's people's view of nature can be glimpsed.

'Man'yoshu' is Japan's oldest poetry anthology.

2

その政治家の演説は、国民の間に蔓延していた閉塞感を一掃し、未来への晴れやかな希望を抱かせるものだった。

That politician's speech, among the public prevalent stagnation swept away, towards the future bright hope instill was.

'Man'en suru' means to spread or prevail.

3

現代の気象予報技術をもってしても、数日先の晴天を保証することは依然として困難な課題である。

With modern weather forecasting technology even, several days ahead clear weather guarantee is still difficult challenge.

'Izen to shite' means still or as yet.

4

彼の小説は、登場人物が長年の暗鬱な過去を乗り越え、晴れやかな人生を歩み始めるまでを描いている。

His novel, characters long dark past overcome, bright life begin to walk until depicts.

'An'utsu' means gloomy or dark.

5

晴れ間が覗くたびに、長雨による被害からの復興への期待が、人々の心に灯るのだった。

Whenever a sunny break peeked, hope for recovery from flood damage lit up in people's hearts.

'Nozoku' means to peek or look out.

6

この地域の祭礼では、豊穣と晴天を神に祈願する古来からの儀式が、今なお厳かに執り行われている。

In this region's festivals, ancient rituals praying for abundant harvest and clear skies are still solemnly performed.

'Hōjō' means abundant harvest.

7

彼の芸術作品は、社会に蔓延する不安や停滞感を打ち破り、観る者に晴れやかな精神的解放感を与えることを意図している。

His artworks aim to break through the anxiety and stagnation prevalent in society, providing viewers with a bright sense of spiritual liberation.

'Seishinteki kaihōkan' means a sense of spiritual liberation.

8

長引く梅雨空の下で、人々は待ち望んだ晴れの日が訪れることを、まるで乾いた大地が恵みの雨を待つかのように切望していた。

Under the prolonged rainy season sky, people longed for the arrival of the awaited sunny day as if parched earth craved life-giving rain.

'Setsubō suru' means to long for or crave.

Common Collocations

晴れの日 (hare no hi)
晴れ間 (harema)
晴れやかな顔 (hareyakana kao)
晴れ着 (haregi)
晴れ舞台 (harebutai)
晴れる (hareru)
晴天を衝く (seiten o tsuku)
晴れ男/晴れ女 (hare otoko / hare onna)
晴れ男/晴れ女パワー (hare otoko / hare onna pawaa)
晴れ時々曇り (hare tokidoki kumori)

Idioms & Expressions

"晴れ間 (harema)"

A sunny spell; a break in the clouds. Can also mean a brief period of relief or happiness.

雨が降っていたが、時折見える晴れ間が希望を与えてくれた。

neutral

"晴れ舞台 (harebutai)"

A stage for a great performance; a moment of triumph or success; a special occasion.

彼女はついに念願の晴れ舞台に立つことができた。

neutral

"晴れ着 (haregi)"

Festive clothing worn for special occasions like weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, or New Year's.

成人式には、美しい晴れ着を着て出席した。

neutral

"晴れやかな顔 (hareyakana kao)"

A bright, cheerful, or radiant face, often indicating happiness, relief, or success.

試験に合格して、彼は晴れやかな顔で家に帰った。

neutral

"晴れ男/晴れ女 (hare otoko / hare onna)"

A person who seems to bring sunny weather wherever they go.

私は自称晴れ女なので、旅行の日はいつも晴れます。

casual

"晴天を衝く (seiten o tsuku)"

To do something bold or audacious, often in broad daylight or under clear skies; to take decisive action.

彼は疑念を晴らすため、あえて晴天を衝くような行動に出た。

formal/literary

Easily Confused

はれ vs 晴れ (hare)

Similar pronunciation and meaning related to weather.

'Hare' (晴れ) is the noun for clear/sunny weather. 'Hareru' (晴れる) is the verb 'to clear up'.

今日は晴れです。(Today is sunny.) vs. 天気が晴れた。(The weather cleared up.)

はれ vs 晴れ (hare)

Both are Japanese words.

'Hare' (晴れ) means clear/sunny weather. 'Kare' (彼) means 'he/him'.

今日は晴れです。(Today is sunny.) vs. 彼は元気です。(He is fine.)

はれ vs 晴れ (hare)

Both relate to brightness/clearness.

'Hare' (晴れ) is clear weather. 'Hikari' (光) means light.

晴れた空。(Hareta sora - Sunny sky.) vs. 光が眩しい。(Hikari ga mabushii - The light is dazzling.)

はれ vs 晴れ (hare)

Both are nouns related to weather conditions.

'Hare' (晴れ) is sunny weather. 'Kumori' (曇り) is cloudy weather.

晴れの日が好きです。(I like sunny days.) vs. 曇りの日は気分が沈む。(I feel down on cloudy days.)

Sentence Patterns

A1-C2

Noun + は (wa) + 晴れ (hare) + です (desu).

明日は晴れです。

A1-C2

晴れ (hare) + の (no) + Noun.

晴れの日には外で遊びましょう。

A2-C2

Noun + が (ga) + 晴れる (hareru). (Verb form)

雨がやんで、空が晴れた。

B1-C2

Adjective + な (na) + 晴れやか (hareyaka) + Noun.

彼女は晴れやかな表情をしていた。

B2-C2

Noun + が (ga) + 晴れ間 (harema) + が + 見える (mieru) / ある (aru).

雲の間に晴れ間が見えた。

Word Family

Nouns

晴れ (hare) Clear/sunny weather
晴れ間 (harema) Sunny spell, break in the clouds
晴れ着 (haregi) Festive clothing
晴れ舞台 (harebutai) Moment of triumph, special occasion

Verbs

晴れる (hareru) To clear up (weather); to become sunny; to be resolved (troubles)

Adjectives

晴れやかな (hareyakana) Bright, cheerful, clear (often used for feelings or expressions)

Related

晴天 (seiten) Synonym, more formal term for clear weather
快晴 (kaisei) Synonym, means very clear weather

How to Use It

Formality Scale

晴れ (hare) - Neutral, suitable for most situations. 晴天 (seiten) - More formal, often used in official weather reports. 快晴 (kaisei) - Formal, implies exceptionally clear weather. 晴れの日 (hare no hi) - Neutral, common phrase for 'sunny day'.

Common Mistakes

Using 'hare' for 'sun' itself. Use 'taiyou' (太陽) for the sun.
'Hare' refers to the condition of the sky (clear/sunny), not the celestial body.
Confusing 'hare' (sunny) with 'hare' (to clear up - verb). Recognize the context. 'Hare' as a noun is the state of clear weather. 'Hareru' is the verb.
While related, they function differently. 'Hare' is the noun 'clear weather', 'hareru' is the verb 'to clear up'.
Overusing 'hare' for any brightness. Use 'hare' specifically for clear, cloudless sky conditions.
A slightly overcast but bright day isn't typically called 'hare'.
Trying to pluralize 'hare'. 'Hare' as a noun doesn't have a plural form. Use context or quantifiers.
Japanese nouns generally don't change for pluralization like in English.
Using 'hare' to describe a person's mood directly without context. Use phrases like 'hareyakana kimochi' (晴れやかな気持ち) for a bright mood.
While the feeling of clear weather is positive, directly calling a mood 'hare' is uncommon; specific phrases are preferred.

Tips

💡

Sound Association

Remember 'hare' sounds a bit like 'hair'. Imagine your hair blowing freely on a perfect, sunny day!

💡

Weather Forecasts

Listen for 'hare' in Japanese weather forecasts – it means sunshine is expected!

🌍

Positive Vibes

In Japan, 'hare' often symbolizes good fortune and clarity, much like the feeling of a bright day.

💡

No Plurals!

Japanese nouns like 'hare' don't change for plural. 'Sunny days' is just 'hare no hi' (晴れの日).

💡

Soft 'R'

Practice the Japanese 'r' sound – it's softer than English, more like a quick tap of the tongue.

💡

Not the Sun Itself

Don't confuse 'hare' (sunny weather) with 'taiyou' (the sun). They are different!

💡

Kanji Clue

The kanji 晴 combines 'sun' (日) and 'blue' (青), literally hinting at a blue sky with sun!

💡

Contextual Learning

When you hear 'hare', try to visualize the scene: blue sky, sunshine, maybe people outdoors. This reinforces the meaning.

💡

Beyond Weather

Notice how 'hareyakana' (bright/clear) is used for feelings and expressions, showing the word's positive association.

💡

Basic Sentence

Master 'Kyou wa hare desu' (今日は晴れです) - 'Today is sunny'. It's a fundamental sentence!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hare' sounding like 'Hair'. Imagine your hair blowing freely in the wind on a beautiful, sunny day with no clouds!

Visual Association

Picture a bright blue sky with a single, smiling sun. No clouds in sight.

Word Web

Weather Sunny Clear Sky Blue Sun Good Mood Outdoor Activities

Challenge

Describe your ideal day using the word 'hare'. For example: 'I hope for a hare day for my picnic.'

Word Origin

Japanese

Original meaning: Derived from the verb 晴れる (hareru), meaning 'to clear up' or 'to become sunny'. The noun 'hare' represents the state of having cleared up.

Cultural Context

None. 'Hare' is a universally positive weather condition.

In English-speaking cultures, 'sunny' or 'clear skies' are common terms. The concept of a 'sunny disposition' is also prevalent, linking good weather with positive emotions.

Weather forecasts in Japan frequently use 'hare'. The phrase 'hare no hi' (sunny day) is common in everyday conversation and literature. The concept of 'hare-otoko/onna' (sunny man/woman) is a popular cultural trope.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Talking about the weather forecast

  • 明日は晴れでしょう。(Ashita wa hare deshou.) - Tomorrow will likely be sunny.
  • 晴れ時々曇りです。(Hare tokidoki kumori desu.) - It's sunny, sometimes cloudy.
  • 全国的に晴れます。(Zenkoku-teki ni haremasu.) - It will be sunny nationwide.

Planning outdoor activities

  • 晴れの日には公園に行きましょう。(Hare no hi ni wa kouen ni ikimashou.) - Let's go to the park on a sunny day.
  • いい天気なので、ハイキングに行きたい。(Ii tenki na node, haikingu ni ikitai.) - Since the weather is nice (sunny), I want to go hiking.
  • 洗濯物がよく乾きそうです。(Sentakumono ga yoku kawakisou desu.) - Laundry will probably dry well (implying sunny weather).

Describing a positive feeling or event

  • 試験が終わって晴れやかな気分です。(Shiken ga owatte hareyakana kibun desu.) - I feel relieved/bright after finishing the exam.
  • これは私にとって晴れ舞台です。(Kore wa watashi ni totte harebtai desu.) - This is a special occasion/moment of triumph for me.
  • 長雨の後の晴れ間。(Nagaame no ato no harema.) - A sunny spell after the long rain (can be metaphorical).

Cultural references

  • 晴れ男/晴れ女です。(Hare otoko/onna desu.) - I'm someone who brings good weather.
  • 晴れ着を着てお祝いします。(Haregi o kite oiwai shimasu.) - We will celebrate wearing festive clothes.

Conversation Starters

"What's your favorite thing to do on a 'hare' day?"

"Do you prefer 'hare' weather or 'kumori' (cloudy) weather?"

"Tell me about a time you experienced perfect 'hare' weather."

"If you could have one 'hare' day every week, what would you do?"

"How does 'hare' weather make you feel?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a memorable 'hare' day from your past. What made it special?

Write about an event that felt like a 'harebutai' (moment of triumph) for you.

Imagine you are a 'hare otoko' or 'hare onna'. Write a short story about your day.

How does the weather influence your mood? Compare a 'hare' day to a 'kumori' day.

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

'Hare' primarily means clear, cloudless weather. For a sunny spell within a cloudy period, 'harema' (晴れ間) is more specific.

Not directly. While sunny weather often evokes positive feelings, you'd use phrases like 'hareyakana kimochi' (晴れやかな気持ち) to describe a bright or cheerful mood.

'Hare' (晴れ) refers to the weather condition (clear/sunny), while 'taiyou' (太陽) refers to the sun itself.

No, 'hare' is universally positive, associated with good weather, clarity, and happiness.

The most common way is 'Kyou wa hare desu' (今日は晴れです).

Yes, 'hare' is a very common and fundamental word for describing weather in Japanese.

'Haregi' (晴れ着) are special, festive clothes worn for celebrations like weddings or coming-of-age ceremonies.

Yes, 'harema' (sunny spell) can metaphorically mean a brief period of relief, and 'hareyakana' can describe a bright mood or expression.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

The sky is blue and the sun is shining. It is ______.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: hare

'Hare' means sunny weather, which fits the description of a blue sky and shining sun.

multiple choice A2

Which word means 'sunny day' in Japanese?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: hare

'Hare' (晴れ) specifically means clear or sunny weather.

true false B1

The Japanese word 'hare' is used to describe rainy weather.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Hare' describes clear, sunny weather, the opposite of rainy weather ('ame').

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

Matching Japanese weather terms to their English equivalents.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct Japanese sentence structure is 'Kyou wa hare desu' (今日は晴れです), meaning 'Today is sunny'.

fill blank B2

After the long rain, we finally saw a ______ in the clouds.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: harema

'Harema' (晴れ間) means a sunny spell or break in the clouds, fitting the context.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best describes a feeling of bright relief or exhilaration?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Hareyakana kimochi (晴れやかな気持ち)

'Hareyakana kimochi' directly translates to a bright/clear feeling, indicating relief and happiness.

true false C2

The Japanese word 'hare' can refer to the sun itself.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Hare' refers to the condition of the weather (clear/sunny), not the sun (taiyou).

fill blank A2

It's a ______ day today, perfect for a picnic!

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: sunny

The context 'perfect for a picnic' implies good weather, described by 'sunny'.

sentence order B1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The sentence translates to 'Let's go to the park on a sunny day.' In Japanese: 'Hare no hi ni kouen ni ikimashou.'

Score: /10

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!