heavy rain
Intense precipitation
Use 'heavy rain' for any significant downpour in both casual and professional conversations.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used for intense, high-volume rainfall that gets you wet quickly.
- Perfect for small talk, news reports, and daily planning.
- More common and natural than the idiom 'cats and dogs'.
Bedeutung
This phrase describes when a lot of water falls from the sky very quickly. It is more than just a drizzle; it is the kind of weather that makes you want to stay inside with a blanket.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Checking the weather with a roommate
Don't go out yet; there is some really heavy rain starting.
Don't go out yet; there is some really heavy rain starting.
Explaining a delay in a professional email
The heavy rain caused significant delays on the morning commute.
The heavy rain caused significant delays on the morning commute.
Texting a friend about a cancelled plan
Soccer is cancelled today because of the heavy rain.
Soccer is cancelled today because of the heavy rain.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Talking about the weather is a cornerstone of social interaction in English-speaking cultures, especially in the UK and Canada. 'Heavy rain' is the standard, neutral way to describe significant weather without using clichéd idioms like 'raining cats and dogs,' which are rarely used in modern speech. It reflects a cultural obsession with being prepared for the elements.
The 'Power' Collocation
In English, we don't say 'strong rain' or 'big rain.' We almost always use 'heavy.' Stick to this to sound like a native.
Don't say 'Cats and Dogs'
While textbooks teach 'raining cats and dogs,' it's actually quite old-fashioned. 'Heavy rain' is much more modern and common.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used for intense, high-volume rainfall that gets you wet quickly.
- Perfect for small talk, news reports, and daily planning.
- More common and natural than the idiom 'cats and dogs'.
What It Means
Heavy rain is a very common way to describe a serious downpour. Think of it as the middle ground between a light shower and a scary storm. It means the raindrops are large or falling very close together. You will definitely get soaked if you forget your umbrella. It is not just about the weight of the water. It is about the intensity and volume of the rainfall.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a noun or to describe the weather. Most people use it with the verb is or was. For example, "There is heavy rain outside." You can also use it to explain why you are late. "Sorry, the heavy rain slowed down traffic." It is a very safe, reliable phrase. It works in almost any sentence where you talk about the weather.
When To Use It
Use this when you see big puddles forming quickly. It is perfect for weather reports or small talk with neighbors. Use it when you are planning a trip or a picnic. If you are texting a friend to stay safe, this phrase is perfect. It sounds natural in a business meeting too. If a client asks about your flight, mention the heavy rain.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a light mist or a tiny sprinkle. That would be an exaggeration. Also, do not use it for a hurricane or a massive flood. Those situations need stronger words like torrential rain. If it is just a normal rain, heavy might sound too dramatic. Avoid using it if you want to sound very poetic or artistic. It is a practical, everyday phrase, not a line from a sad song.
Cultural Background
English speakers love talking about the weather. It is the ultimate conversation starter. In places like the UK or Seattle, heavy rain is a daily reality. People often use it to bond over shared misery. It is a polite way to fill silence without being too personal. There is a famous idiom "raining cats and dogs," but nobody actually says that. Most people just say heavy rain because it is clear and honest.
Common Variations
You might hear people say pouring rain or driving rain. Pouring sounds a bit more informal and sudden. Driving rain usually means there is a lot of wind too. If you want to sound more technical, you can say heavy precipitation. However, heavy rain remains the king of weather collocations. It is the phrase you will see on news apps and hear on the radio most often.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a neutral collocation suitable for all levels of formality. Be careful not to use 'strong' or 'big' as adjectives for rain, as 'heavy' is the standard partner word.
The 'Power' Collocation
In English, we don't say 'strong rain' or 'big rain.' We almost always use 'heavy.' Stick to this to sound like a native.
Don't say 'Cats and Dogs'
While textbooks teach 'raining cats and dogs,' it's actually quite old-fashioned. 'Heavy rain' is much more modern and common.
The Icebreaker
If you're in an elevator with a stranger, saying 'That's some heavy rain out there!' is the perfect way to start a polite conversation.
Beispiele
6Don't go out yet; there is some really heavy rain starting.
Don't go out yet; there is some really heavy rain starting.
Uses 'heavy rain' as a warning in a casual setting.
The heavy rain caused significant delays on the morning commute.
The heavy rain caused significant delays on the morning commute.
A professional way to explain why something is late.
Soccer is cancelled today because of the heavy rain.
Soccer is cancelled today because of the heavy rain.
Short, clear communication for everyday logistics.
I think this heavy rain is trying to turn my backyard into a lake.
I think this heavy rain is trying to turn my backyard into a lake.
Using the phrase to make a lighthearted joke about the weather.
I'm worried about the basement flooding if this heavy rain doesn't stop.
I'm worried about the basement flooding if this heavy rain doesn't stop.
Shows concern or anxiety related to weather conditions.
Expect heavy rain throughout the evening across the metro area.
Expect heavy rain throughout the evening across the metro area.
Standard terminology for media and broadcasting.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the weather description.
The hikers had to stop because the ___ rain made the trail too slippery.
'Heavy' is the standard adjective used with 'rain' to describe intensity.
Complete the sentence to explain why you are wet.
I'm soaked because I got caught in the ___.
'Heavy rain' is the natural collocation; 'weighty' or 'fat' are not used this way.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Heavy Rain'
Used with friends/family
It's pouring out there!
Standard everyday use
There is heavy rain today.
Technical or official reports
Heavy precipitation is expected.
Where to use 'Heavy Rain'
Weather App
Warning: Heavy Rain
Office Talk
The heavy rain made me late.
Texting
Stay safe in the heavy rain!
News
Heavy rain is moving East.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is better not to. While people will understand you, 'heavy rain' is the natural pair that native speakers always use.
It is neutral! You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or your best friend without any problem.
'Pouring' is a bit more informal and emphasizes that the rain is falling very fast, like water from a bucket.
There is no exact number, but if you need an umbrella and your shoes get wet quickly, it is 'heavy rain'.
Yes! 'Heavy snow' is also a very common and correct phrase to use when it snows a lot.
Extremely common. Since it rains often in the UK, people have many words for it, but 'heavy rain' is the standard.
Usually, we say 'the heavy rain' or just 'heavy rain.' For example: 'I hate heavy rain' or 'The heavy rain stopped.'
The opposite is 'light rain' or 'a drizzle.' These describe when only a little bit of water falls.
Yes, professional meteorologists use 'heavy rain' constantly to describe storm systems.
It likely refers to the weight of the water or the 'heaviness' of the clouds before the rain falls.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Downpour
A sudden and very heavy fall of rain.
Torrential rain
Extremely heavy rain that can cause flooding.
Drizzle
Very light rain that feels like a mist.
Cloudburst
A sudden, very intense rainfall that doesn't last long.
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