Translation guide
Describes a state of slight wetness, often in the air, surfaces, or materials. Japanese has distinct words for atmospheric humidity, surface moisture, and the quality of being damp.
The feeling of moisture in the air, often uncomfortable or muggy.
General word for moisture in the air; can be neutral or negative depending on context.
この部屋は湿気が多い。
This room has a lot of dampness.
湿気で髪が広がる。
My hair gets frizzy from the humidity.
Humidity as a measurable level; more technical than 湿気.
今日は湿度が高い。
The humidity is high today.
Onomatopoeic word describing an unpleasant, muggy dampness, often during rainy season.
梅雨でジメジメしている。
It's damp and muggy because of the rainy season.
A surface or object that is slightly wet to the touch, not soaked.
Noun form of 湿る (to become damp); often used for towels, soil, or air.
タオルに湿りが残っている。
The towel still has some dampness.
The quality of being damp, often with a negative nuance of being unpleasantly moist.
この布団は湿っぽさが気になる。
The dampness of this futon bothers me.
Literally 'water content'; used when dampness is due to residual water.
Describing a room, basement, or material that tends to be damp.
Same as atmospheric dampness, but also used for enclosed spaces.
地下室は湿気が多い。
The basement has a lot of dampness.
Formal or technical term for dampness, often used in written descriptions of climate or soil.
湿気 (しっけ) is the general feeling or presence of moisture in the air or a space, while 湿度 (しつど) is the measurable humidity level. Use 湿気 for everyday dampness and 湿度 when talking about percentages or weather data.
湿気が多い日は洗濯物が乾きにくい。
On days with a lot of dampness, laundry doesn't dry easily.
湿度は80%です。
The humidity is 80%.
湿り (しめり) refers to dampness on surfaces or in objects, not atmospheric humidity. Using it for weather would sound unnatural.
✕ 今日は湿りが多い。
Incorrect for 'It's humid today.'
◯ 今日は湿気が多い。
Correct: It's humid today.
✕ 今日は湿りが多い。
Incorrect for 'It's humid today.'
◯ 今日は湿気が多い。
Correct: It's humid today.
壁に水分が染みている。
Dampness is seeping into the wall.
この地域は湿潤な気候だ。
This region has a damp climate.