E19 · Weather and nature

Goal: learn 12 words and phrases for talking about weather and natural events.

Before you start

This level assumes the beginner level and basic grammar. Words you already met are marked and do not count as new.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

Rain and snow «fall» with ふる: あめがふります (it rains). When it stops: あめがやみます. はれ (M16) is clear weather; はれる, to clear up.

Show romaji

You practise them in kana; underneath you can see how they are usually written.

たいふうtaifuutyphoonUsually written 台風
じしんjishinearthquakeUsually written 地震There is also じしん = 自信 (self-confidence). Here you learn 地震, an earthquake.
かみなりkaminarithunder, lightningUsually written 雷
きおんkion(air) temperatureUsually written 気温
ふるfurufall (rain, snow)Usually written 降るThere is also ふる = 振る (wave, shake). Here you learn 降る: あめがふります, it rains.
やむyamustop (rain, wind)Usually written 止む
はれるhareruclear up (weather)Usually written 晴れる
くもるkumorucloud overUsually written 曇る
You know it · H07あめamerainUsually written 雨There is also あめ = 飴 (candy), with a different pitch. Here you learn 雨, the rain.
You know it · H08ゆきyukisnowUsually written 雪
You know it · M16はれhareclear, sunnyUsually written 晴れ
You know it · M16くもりkumoricloudyUsually written 曇り

Two rounds: first you read each word and type its romaji, then you pick what it means. No romaji on screen.

Show romaji

A short text written only with the kana and grammar you already know. Read it and answer.

The morning weather report:

きょうはたいふうです。あめがふります。