What it literally says

the plum rain has begun

Japanese politeness is mostly built out of phrases that stopped being literal a long time ago. Knowing what is underneath is the difference between repeating a sound and knowing what you said.

When to use it

Written with the characters for plum and rain, because it arrives when the plums ripen.

Next in Weather and Seasons

• What's the weather tomorrow?明日の天気はどうですか
• I forgot my umbrella傘を忘れました
• Is a typhoon coming?台風が来ますか
• Is it going to rain?雨が降りますか
• It's cleared up晴れましたね
• It's a lovely dayいい天気ですね

The rest of the phrasebook

• Greetings挨拶14
• Thanks and Politeness感謝13
• Apologies謝罪13
• Yes, No and Understanding返事14
• Introductions自己紹介13
• Small Talk雑談13
• Numbers and Counting数14
• Time and Dates時間13
• Asking Directions道案内14
• Trains and Stations電車15
• Taxis and Busesタクシー13
• Hotels and Ryokan宿14
• Restaurants and Ordering食事16
• Allergies and Food Restrictions食事制限13
• Convenience Stores and Shopping買い物14
• Money and Payment支払い13
• Temples and Sightseeing観光13
• Onsen and Public Baths温泉13
• Health and Pharmacy体調14
• Emergencies緊急14
• Lost Things and Trouble困りごと13
• Phone and Internet通信12
• Reactions and Compliments相づち13
• Goodbyes別れ13

All 337 phrases →