Korean Dictionary
How to say "Rain" in Korean
“Rain” in Korean is 비 (pronounced "Bi").
비
Bi
Usage & Context
Korea experiences distinct seasonal rainfall. The 장마 (monsoon season) from late June to mid-July brings heavy rains. 비가 온다 (it rains), 소나기 (sudden summer shower), 보슬비 (light drizzle). Rainy days in Korea prompt cravings for 파전 (green onion pancake) and 막걸리 (rice wine).
Example Sentence
오늘 비가 많이 오네요. 우산 챙겼어요?
It's raining a lot today. Did you bring an umbrella?
How to use 비 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Rain” is 비, romanized as Bi.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 비.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce it as "Bi." It sounds exactly like the English letter "B" or the word "bee." It's a short, crisp, single-syllable sound.
More Example Sentences
Talking about rainy day traditions.
비 오는 날에는 파전에 막걸리가 최고죠!
On a rainy day, green onion pancake and rice wine are the best!
Describing an unexpected rain shower.
갑자기 비가 와서 옷이 다 젖었어요.
It suddenly rained, so my clothes got all wet.
Planning weekend activities.
이번 주말에 비 소식이 있어요. 실내 데이트 계획해야겠어요.
There's a rain forecast this weekend. I guess we'll have to plan an indoor date.
Cultural Context
Rain, or '비,' holds a special place in Korean culture. The monsoon season (장마, jangma) is a significant annual event. Rainy days are strongly associated with specific comfort foods like '파전' (pajeon, green onion pancake) and '막걸리' (makgeolli, traditional rice wine), a pairing often seen in K-dramas. The sound of rain is also considered calming by many, leading to '비 오는 날 듣기 좋은 노래' (songs good for listening on a rainy day) playlists.
Editorial note
We review entries like 비 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
비가 와요.
It's raining.
비가 그쳤어요.
The rain has stopped.
비 오는 날
Rainy day
Related Expressions
눈
Nun
Snow (related weather phenomenon)
장마
Jangma
Monsoon season
소나기
Sonagi
Sudden shower, downpour
보슬비
Boseulbi
Drizzle, light rain
Frequently asked questions
How do I correctly pronounce the Korean word for "rain," which is written as 비?+
The Korean word for "rain," 비 (bi), is pronounced with a "b" sound similar to "bee" in English. The vowel is a short "i" sound, like in "sit" or "bit." It's a simple, straightforward pronunciation without complex tones. Focus on a clear, crisp "bi" sound.
What are common Korean phrases to describe rain or express that it is currently raining outside?+
The most common phrase to say "it rains" or "it's raining" is 비가 온다 (biga onda). For a sudden summer shower, you'd use 소나기 (sonagi). If you want to describe a light drizzle, the term is 보슬비 (boseulbi). These phrases are widely used in everyday conversation.
Are there different Korean words for various types of rain, such as a light drizzle or a heavy downpour?+
Yes, Korean has specific terms for different types of rain. For a light drizzle, you'd use 보슬비 (boseulbi). A sudden, heavy summer shower is called 소나기 (sonagi). The prolonged heavy rain during the monsoon season, typically from late June to mid-July, is known as 장마 (jangma). These terms help specify the intensity and duration.
What are some popular Korean foods or activities commonly associated with rainy days in Korea?+
Rainy days in Korea often trigger cravings for specific comfort foods. 파전 (pajeon), a savory green onion pancake, is incredibly popular, especially when paired with 막걸리 (makgeolli), a traditional rice wine. The sound of rain is said to enhance the experience of enjoying these warm, delicious treats. Many people also enjoy staying indoors and relaxing.
Is the word "비" always appropriate to use, or are there more formal ways to refer to rain?+
The word 비 (bi) is generally appropriate and widely used in all contexts, from casual to formal. While you might hear more formal expressions in news reports, like 강우 (gangu) for "rainfall" or 호우 (hou) for "heavy rain," 비 (bi) itself is not considered informal or impolite. It's the standard term.
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