Entry
ざあっ
zaa
The sound of a sudden, heavy downpour of rain or rushing water.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word representing a loud, sudden rushing sound of water, such as a heavy downpour of rain starting abruptly, a crashing wave on the shore, or a large amount of water being poured all at once.
- Sudden heavy rain
- Rushing water or crashing waves
Sense Map
Sudden heavy rain
Describes heavy rain that begins to fall abruptly.
雨がザーッと降ってきた。
Sudden rush of water or waves
Describes the strong sound of a large amount of water or waves moving all at once.
波がザーッと打ち寄せる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ざあっと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how a water-related action (like raining or flowing) happens suddenly and forcefully.
ざあっと降る
ざあっと流れる
How to Use
Common Phrases
ザーッと降る
pour down suddenly
ザーッと流れる
flow with a sudden rush
雨がザーッと
rain pouring heavily
波がザーッと
waves crashing forcefully
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rain / Weather | neutral | Used to describe a heavy downpour that starts suddenly without warning. |
| Waves / Water flow | neutral | Describes waves crashing forcefully on the shore or a large volume of water being poured all at once. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ざーざー ざーざー / similar | For continuous, ongoing heavy rain or flowing water. | ざあっ emphasizes a sudden, momentary, or forceful rush, while ザーザー emphasizes a continuous state. | 雨がザーザー降る。 |
じゃあじゃあ じゃあじゃあ / similar | For water forcefully pouring out of a tap, pipe, or container. | じゃあじゃあ sounds slightly noisier or messier, often from an artificial source, whereas ざあっ is broader, often natural like rain or waves. | 水がじゃあじゃあ出る。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for light rain or drizzle.
Only use ざあっ for forceful, sudden bursts of water or heavy downpours. For light rain, use しとしと (shito-shito).
Assuming it means a long, continuous rainfall like ザーザー.
ざあっ focuses on the sudden onset or a forceful rush of water, not necessarily a long duration.
Examples
Examples
突然、雨がザーッと降ってきた。
とつぜん、あめがザーッとふってきた。
Suddenly, the rain started pouring down.
VisualDescribes heavy rain starting abruptly.
大きな波がザーッと打ち寄せた。
おおきななみがザーッとうちよせた。
A big wave crashed in forcefully.
VisualExpression of the sound of a wave breaking on the shore.
バケツの水をざあっと流した。
バケツのみずをざあっとながした。
Poured the bucket of water out all at once.
VisualDescribes dumping a large amount of water completely.
シャワーのお湯をザーッと浴びる。
シャワーのおゆをザーッとあびる。
Taking a shower with the hot water rushing out.
VisualThe sound of hot shower water coming out strongly.
道路を水がざあっと流れていった。
どうろをみずがざあっとながれていった。
Water rushed down the street.
VisualThe way water moves forward forcefully.
Similar Words
ザーザー
zaazaa
The continuous sound of heavy rain pouring down, forcefully rushing water, or white noise from an electronic device. Describes a continuous state of heavy rain or flowing water.
じゃあじゃあ
jaajaa
じゃあじゃあ describes the loud and continuous sound of a large volume of water gushing or pouring out. Describes the noisy sound of water continuously pouring out (such as from a tap).
Questions
What is the difference between ざあっ and ザーザー?
ざあっ emphasizes a sudden onset or a single, forceful rush (like a sudden downpour or a crashing wave), while ザーザー describes a continuous state of heavy rain or flowing water.
Can I use ざあっ for things other than water?
While it is primarily for the sound of water, it can occasionally be used for the sudden rustling sound of leaves blown by a strong gust of wind. However, its use for water is by far the most common.
Why is there a small 'tsu' (っ) at the end?
The small 'tsu' indicates that the sound is abrupt and stops suddenly, emphasizing the quick and forceful nature of the water's movement.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1631950
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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