Meaning and Usage
"曇り" (くもり) refers to cloudy or overcast weather, where the sky is covered with clouds but it is not necessarily raining. It is a common weather term used in daily conversation and weather forecasts.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "曇り" when talking about the weather, especially when describing days that are neither sunny nor rainy. It can also imply a somewhat gloomy or dull atmosphere.
Collocations and Patterns
- 曇り空 (くもりぞら): cloudy sky, used to describe the sky condition.
- 曇り時々晴れ (くもりときどきはれ): cloudy with occasional sunshine, a common weather forecast phrase.
- 曇りがち (くもりがち): tending to be cloudy, used to describe a period or season.
Register and Nuance
"曇り" is neutral and commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. It is a straightforward weather term without strong emotional connotations, though it can be used metaphorically to describe moods or situations that feel dull or unclear.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "曇り" with "雨" (rain) or "晴れ" (sunny). Remember, "曇り" specifically means cloudy, not rainy or clear. Also, it is a noun, so it often appears with particles like "の" or "で" when used in sentences.