雨天

• Reading: うてん
• Romaji: uten
• Kanji breakdown: 雨 (u/ame) — rain; 天 (ten) — sky, weather, heavens
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.teɴ/

Meaning

Rainy weather. A formal term describing weather conditions with rain.

A noun used primarily in written or formal contexts to describe rainy weather. More formal than 雨 (ame) or 雨降り (amefuri). Frequently seen in announcements and signage, such as 雨天中止 (cancelled due to rain) and 雨天決行 (held rain or shine). Rarely used in casual conversation, where 雨 alone suffices.

Examples

1. 雨天のため、屋外でのイベントは中止になった。 Due to rainy weather, the outdoor event was canceled.
2. 雨天が続いて洗濯物が乾かない。 The rainy weather has been going on so long that the laundry won't dry.
3. 雨天時は室内の練習場を使います。 In case of rain, we'll use the indoor practice facility.

Usage Guide

Context: announcements, events, weather reports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 雨 (u, rain) + 天 (ten, sky/weather). Literally 'rain sky' — describing the condition of the sky when it rains.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal