Snow falls in Japanese

Snow Falls in Japanese

In Japanese, snow falls, just like rain does. Walking a winter shinrinyoku in the snow today, that really struck me. Snow is 雪 (yuki), "to fall" is 降る(furu). You don't say 雪る (yukiru) the way you say "it snows" or "it rained" in English or Dutch. You also don't say 雨る (ameru) and use "rain" as a verb.

Snowfall sounds (giongo/gitaigo):

• Walking on packed snow: きしきし (kishi kishi)

• Snow falling silently: しんしん (shin shin)

• Fresh powder crunch: ざくざく (zaku zaku)

• Steady thick flakes: こんこん (kon kon)

• Light scattered flurries: ちらちら (chira chira)

• Heavy wet clumps: ぼたぼた (bota bota)

Japanese has over 1,200 of these onomatopoeia. Giongo mimic actual sounds (like きしきし kishi kishi); gitaigo describe texture/condition (like すずすず suzu suzu for crisp winter air). This reflects Japan's deep attention to nature's subtle textures and sensations.

Snow forest bathing is 雪見浴 (yuki-mi-yoku) up north—a meditative "bath" in winter silence where cold purifies the mind.