zhènyǔ: 阵雨 - Shower, Rain Shower

• Keywords: zhenyu, 阵雨, Chinese for rain shower, shower in Chinese, zhenyu meaning, what is a zhenyu, sudden rain Chinese, Chinese weather vocabulary, types of rain in Mandarin, HSK 3 weather terms.
• Summary: Learn about the common Chinese word 阵雨 (zhènyǔ), which means a “shower” or “rain shower.” This term is essential for understanding weather forecasts and daily conversations in Mandarin. A `zhènyǔ` is a type of rain that starts suddenly, lasts for a short period, and then stops, often associated with summer weather. This guide will break down the characters, cultural context, and practical usage with plenty of example sentences to help you master this HSK 3 vocabulary word.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhènyǔ
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A sudden, short-lived period of rain; a shower.
• In a Nutshell: Think of a 阵雨 (zhènyǔ) as a “burst” of rain. It's not the kind of rain that settles in for the whole day. Instead, it's the classic summer shower that might appear suddenly on a sunny afternoon, drench everything for twenty minutes, and then vanish just as quickly, often leaving behind a rainbow. It's temporary and unpredictable.

• 阵 (zhèn): The original meaning of this character is a “battle formation” or an “array.” Over time, its meaning expanded to become a measure word for events that happen in short, sudden bursts or waves. You can see this in words like `一阵风 (yí zhèn fēng)`, “a gust of wind.” In `阵雨`, it signifies a “spell” or “burst” of rain.
• 雨 (yǔ): This is the character for “rain.” It's a classic pictograph, originally drawn to look like drops of water falling from a cloud (represented by the top horizontal line).

When you combine them, 阵雨 (zhènyǔ) literally translates to a “burst of rain” or a “wave of rain,” which perfectly captures the meaning of a brief, sudden shower.

• While 阵雨 (zhènyǔ) is primarily a practical meteorological term, it carries a certain cultural feeling. The sudden and temporary nature of a `zhènyǔ` often serves as a metaphor in Chinese culture for a fleeting event or emotion. It can represent a minor, temporary setback that will soon pass, or a sudden burst of tears that clears the air.
• Comparison to Western Concepts: A `zhènyǔ` is very similar to what English speakers might call a “passing shower” or a “sunshower” (especially if the sun is out, which is called a `太阳雨 tàiyángyǔ`). The key difference is that `zhènyǔ` is the standard, neutral term for any short, sudden rain, regardless of the season. Unlike “April showers,” it's not tied to a specific time of year. The term embodies a sense of transience and the idea that “this too shall pass,” a common theme in Chinese philosophy reflecting the ever-changing cycles of nature. It's a reminder that even a sudden downpour is temporary.

• Weather Forecasts: This is the most common context. You will hear or read 阵雨 (zhènyǔ) constantly in weather reports. For example, `今天下午有阵雨 (jīntiān xiàwǔ yǒu zhènyǔ)` - “There will be showers this afternoon.”
• Daily Conversation: People use it to make small talk about the weather or to make quick plans. If you're about to go out and it starts raining, a friend might say, “别担心，只是个阵雨，很快就停了。(Bié dānxīn, zhǐshì ge zhènyǔ, hěn kuài jiù tíng le.)” meaning “Don't worry, it's just a shower, it will stop soon.”
• Formality: The term is neutral and can be used in both formal (weather reports) and informal (daily chat) situations.

• Example 1:
  • 天气预报说今天下午有阵雨。
  • Pinyin: Tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān xiàwǔ yǒu zhènyǔ.
  • English: The weather forecast says there will be showers this afternoon.
  • Analysis: A very standard and common sentence you would hear on the news or read in an app.
• Example 2:
  • 我们出门时最好带上雨伞，以防有阵雨。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen chūmén shí zuìhǎo dài shang yǔsǎn, yǐfáng yǒu zhènyǔ.
  • English: We should bring an umbrella when we go out, just in case there's a shower.
  • Analysis: This shows how to use `阵雨` when making plans and being cautious.
• Example 3:
  • 刚才下了一场阵雨，现在凉快多了。
  • Pinyin: Gāngcái xià le yì chǎng zhènyǔ, xiànzài liángkuai duō le.
  • English: There was just a shower, so it's much cooler now.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes the positive effect of a `zhènyǔ`, especially on a hot day. Note the use of the measure word `场 (chǎng)`.
• Example 4:
  • 这只是一场阵雨，我们等一会儿再走吧。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǐshì yì chǎng zhènyǔ, wǒmen děng yíhuìr zài zǒu ba.
  • English: This is just a passing shower, let's wait a little while before we go.
  • Analysis: A great example of how people react to a `zhènyǔ` – by waiting it out because they know it won't last long.
• Example 5:
  • 我被突如其来的阵雨淋湿了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bèi tūrúqílái de zhènyǔ lín shī le.
  • English: I got soaked by a sudden shower.
  • Analysis: `突如其来 (tūrúqílái)` is an idiom for “sudden” or “out of nowhere,” which perfectly describes the nature of a `zhènyǔ`.
• Example 6:
  • 这个地区的夏季天气多变，常常有午后阵雨。
  • Pinyin: Zhège dìqū de xiàjì tiānqì duōbiàn, chángcháng yǒu wǔhòu zhènyǔ.
  • English: The summer weather in this region is changeable, with frequent afternoon showers.
  • Analysis: This describes a typical weather pattern where `阵雨` is a common occurrence.
• Example 7:
  • 昨天是晴天，但夜里下了几场阵雨。
  • Pinyin: Zuótiān shì qíngtiān, dàn yèlǐ xià le jǐ chǎng zhènyǔ.
  • English: Yesterday was sunny, but there were a few showers during the night.
  • Analysis: Shows that `阵雨` can happen at any time, day or night, and can occur multiple times.
• Example 8:
  • 你看，窗外开始下阵雨了。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kàn, chuāngwài kāishǐ xià zhènyǔ le.
  • English: Look, a shower is starting outside the window.
  • Analysis: A simple, conversational sentence for pointing out the beginning of the rain.
• Example 9:
  • 这场阵雨来得快，去得也快。
  • Pinyin: Zhè chǎng zhènyǔ lái de kuài, qù de yě kuài.
  • English: This shower came quickly and left quickly.
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly summarizes the core characteristic of a `zhènyǔ`.
• Example 10:
  • 预报说有阵雨，结果一滴雨都没下。
  • Pinyin: Yùbào shuō yǒu zhènyǔ, jiéguǒ yì dī yǔ dōu méi xià.
  • English: The forecast said there would be showers, but in the end, not a single drop of rain fell.
  • Analysis: A relatable sentence showing the unpredictability of `阵雨` forecasts.

• Noun, not a Verb: The most common mistake for learners is treating `阵雨` as a verb. It's a noun. You cannot say `天在阵雨 (tiān zài zhènyǔ)`. You must use the verb `下 (xià)`, meaning “to fall.”
  • Incorrect: `今天阵雨了。 (Jīntiān zhènyǔ le.)`
  • Correct: `今天下了一场阵雨。 (Jīntiān xià le yì chǎng zhènyǔ.)`
  • Correct: `今天有阵雨。 (Jīntiān yǒu zhènyǔ.)`
• `阵雨` vs. `雷阵雨 (léizhènyǔ)`: Don't confuse the two. A `阵雨` is a simple shower. A `雷阵雨 (léizhènyǔ)` is a thundershower (literally “thunder-burst-rain”). All thundershowers are a type of `阵雨`, but not all `阵雨` have thunder and lightning.
• `阵雨` vs. `毛毛雨 (máomaoyǔ)`: These are opposites in terms of intensity and duration. A `阵雨` is short but can be quite heavy. A `毛毛雨 (máomaoyǔ)` is a very light drizzle that can last for hours. If you need a proper raincoat and it only lasts 20 minutes, it's a `zhènyǔ`. If you barely feel wet but it's gloomy all day, it's `máomaoyǔ`.

• 雷阵雨 (léizhènyǔ) - A thundershower. A more specific and intense type of `阵雨`.
• 暴雨 (bàoyǔ) - A downpour or rainstorm. Much heavier and more severe than a typical `阵雨`.
• 毛毛雨 (máomaoyǔ) - Drizzle. The opposite of a `阵雨` in intensity; it's very light but can be persistent.
• 太阳雨 (tàiyángyǔ) - Sunshower. A specific and beautiful type of `阵雨` where it rains while the sun is shining.
• 天气预报 (tiānqì yùbào) - Weather forecast. The most common place you will encounter the term `阵雨`.
• 下雨 (xià yǔ) - To rain. The general verb used with the noun `阵雨`.
• 雨伞 (yǔsǎn) - Umbrella. The essential tool for dealing with an unexpected `阵雨`.
• 阵 (zhèn) - A measure word for short-lived events, such as `一阵风 (yí zhèn fēng)` (a gust of wind) or `一阵掌声 (yí zhèn zhǎngshēng)` (a round of applause). Understanding this helps you grasp the “burst-like” nature of `阵雨`.