Translation guide
The English word 'moisture' refers to a small amount of liquid, usually water, present in the air, on a surface, or within a substance. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering words for humidity, dampness, wetness, and related expressions.
To talk about the amount of water vapor in the air, often in weather or climate contexts.
The most common word for moisture in the air, humidity. Can be used for both indoor and outdoor humidity.
今日は湿気が多いですね。
It's very humid today, isn't it?
この部屋は湿気がこもっている。
This room is stuffy with moisture.
Refers specifically to humidity as a measurable quantity (humidity level). Often used in weather reports or when talking about percentages.
今日の湿度は80%です。
Today's humidity is 80%.
To describe a small amount of liquid present on something, making it slightly wet.
General term for moisture content or water content in something. Used for food, skin, soil, etc.
このクリームは肌に水分を与えます。
This cream provides moisture to the skin.
土に水分が足りない。
The soil lacks moisture.
Refers to dampness or slight wetness, often on surfaces or in the air. Can be used for things like towels, clothes, or weather.
Moisture or water content, often used when talking about removing moisture or something being watery.
To express the idea of retaining or providing moisture, often in beauty or cooking contexts.
Moisture in a positive sense, implying richness, hydration, and freshness. Commonly used for skin, hair, and sometimes food.
この化粧水は肌に潤いを与えます。
This lotion gives moisture to the skin.
唇の潤いを保つ。
Keep the moisture in your lips.
Moisturizing, moisture retention. Often used in skincare product names or descriptions.
保湿クリームを塗る。
Apply moisturizing cream.
To describe moisture that forms as small drops on a cold surface.
Water droplets, condensation. Used for drops of water on windows, bottles, etc.
冷たい飲み物の表面に水滴がついている。
There are moisture droplets on the surface of the cold drink.
Condensation, dew. Often used for moisture on windows or walls in winter.
湿気 (しっけ) is moisture in the air (humidity), often with a negative nuance of dampness. 水分 (すいぶん) is water content in a substance, neutral. 潤い (うるおい) is positive moisture, implying richness and hydration, used for skin, hair, etc.
The English word 'moisture' covers many concepts. Don't assume one Japanese word fits all. For example, 'moisture in the air' is 湿気, not 水分. 'Skin moisture' is 潤い or 水分, but 湿気 would sound odd.
The towel still has some moisture in it.
Drain the moisture from the vegetables well.
Condensation is forming on the window.