Entry
しとしと
shitoshito
Describes light rain falling quietly and continuously, or a state of being mildly damp.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is primarily used to describe light rain or drizzle that falls gently, quietly, and persistently without strong winds. Additionally, it can describe a physical state where an object or the environment feels slightly moist or damp.
- Quiet, gentle rain
- Damp state
Sense Map
Gentle Rain
Describes the sound or sight of rain falling quietly and continuously without wind.
春の雨がしとしと降る。
Dampness
Describes a surface or environment feeling slightly wet or moist.
梅雨で部屋がしとしとする。
Usage Note
How to Use
しとしと降る
しとしとと降る
しとしとする
Functions as a verb to indicate that something is in a damp or moist state.
How to Use
Common Phrases
雨がしとしと降る
rain falls gently
しとしとと濡れる
to get damp/wet slowly
しとしとする
to feel damp
春の雨がしとしと
gentle spring rain
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weather (rain) | Neutral to slightly positive | Implies a peaceful, quiet atmosphere, often associated with soft spring showers. |
| Texture/Condition | Neutral | States the physical fact of dampness without strong discomfort. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しっとり しっとり / similar | Use 'shittori' for pleasant moisture (like healthy, dewy skin) or a calm, elegant personality. | Unlike 'shitoshito', it is rarely used to describe the action of rain falling, focusing instead on the resulting moist state. | しっとり濡れる |
びしょびしょ びしょびしょ / opposite | Use 'bishobisho' when something is completely soaked or drenched. | 'Shitoshito' implies only a light touch of water or dampness, whereas 'bishobisho' means thoroughly wet. | びしょびしょに濡れる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a heavy downpour.
Use words like 'zaazaa' for heavy rain.
Using it to describe a calm person.
Use 'shittori' or 'odoyaka' for people; 'shitoshito' is mainly for weather and physical dampness.
Examples
Examples
春の雨がしとしとと降っている。
はるのあめがしとしととふっている。
The spring rain is falling gently.
LiteralDescribes quiet, light rain without strong winds.
一日中、しとしと降る雨の音が聞こえる。
いちにちじゅう、しとしとふるあめのおとがきこえる。
All day long, I can hear the sound of gently falling rain.
LiteralShows that the light rain is continuous and ongoing.
梅雨時で、部屋の空気がしとしとしている。
つゆどきで、へやのくうきがしとしとしている。
Because it's the rainy season, the air in the room feels damp.
LiteralFocuses on the damp state of a room's atmosphere.
静かな森に、雨がしとしとと降り注ぐ。
しずかなもりに、あめがしとしととふりそそぐ。
In the quiet forest, rain pours down gently.
VisualGives a peaceful and atmospheric visual impression of nature.
霧で地面がしとしと濡れている。
きりでじめんがしとしとぬれている。
The ground is getting damp from the mist.
LiteralDescribes a surface slowly absorbing moisture.
Similar Words
しっとり
shittori
Shittori describes something that is pleasantly moist and soft, or a calm, graceful, and serene atmosphere. Both mean damp, but 'shittori' focuses on a pleasant, elegant, or calming moisture.
びしょびしょ
bishobisho
Bishobisho describes a state of being completely soaked or thoroughly drenched. Opposite in intensity. 'Bishobisho' means completely soaked, while 'shitoshito' is light rain or dampness.
しょぼしょぼ
shoboshobo
Shoboshobo describes a weak, energy-lacking state, such as tired eyes blinking, persistent weak drizzle, or walking despondently.
Questions
Can I use 'shitoshito' for falling snow?
No, it is specific to liquid water/rain. For snow falling quietly, use 'shinshin'.
What is the difference between 'shitoshito' and 'jitojito'?
Both relate to moisture, but 'jitojito' has a strong negative nuance of uncomfortable, sticky humidity or sweat. 'Shitoshito' is more neutral.
Do I need to include the particle 'to'?
No, both 'shitoshito furu' and 'shitoshito to furu' are completely natural and interchangeable.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1005570
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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