Translation and Meaning of: 湿る - shimeru

The Japanese word 湿る[しめる] is a verb that describes something damp, wet, or that has absorbed liquid. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding the meaning and use of this word can be helpful in daily life. In this article, we will explore everything from its translation and writing to cultural curiosities and practical examples. If you want to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo offers a comprehensive dictionary for reference.

Meaning and usage of 湿る [しめる]

湿る[しめる] is a verb that means "to become damp" or "to moisten." It is used to describe objects, surfaces, or even the weather when humidity is present. For example, if a towel absorbs water, we can say it is 湿った (shimetta). This word frequently appears in everyday conversations, especially in contexts such as cooking, cleaning, or weather forecasts.

It's worth noting that 湿る is not used for moving liquids, such as falling rain or a flowing river. Its focus is on the resulting state of moisture, not the process itself. This distinction is important to avoid confusion with other verbs like 濡れる (nureru), which also means "to wet," but with different nuances.

Origin and Writing of the Kanji 湿

The kanji 湿 is composed of the radical 氵(which indicates a relation to water) and the component 显. This combination reinforces the idea of wetness and liquid, something present in several related words, such as 湿度 (shitsudo - air humidity). The origin of this character dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already carried a meaning similar to the current one.

In the Japanese language, the kanji 湿 also appears in other terms, such as 湿気 (shikke - humidity) and 湿原 (shitsugen - swamp). If you are learning Japanese, noticing these patterns can help you memorize vocabulary more efficiently. One tip is to associate the radical 氵with words that involve water or liquids.

Cultural curiosities and usage

In Japan, where the climate can be quite humid, especially during the rainy season (梅雨 - tsuyu), words like 湿る become even more relevant. It is common to hear expressions like 洗濯物が湿っている (sentakumono ga shimetta) to say that the washed clothes are still damp. This type of situation is part of daily life and reflects the importance of the term.

Furthermore, in more formal or technical contexts, such as meteorology or cooking, 湿る may appear with different nuances. For example, in traditional Japanese cooking, controlling the moisture of the ingredients is essential for dishes like 漬物 (tsukemono - pickles). Knowing how to use this word correctly can enrich your vocabulary and cultural understanding.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 湿る

• 湿る - basic form
• 湿らない - Negative
• 湿ります - educated
• 湿っている - ~ている form
• 湿んでいた - Past
• 湿れ - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 濡れる (nureru) - Stay wet
• 濡らす (nurasu) - Wet something
• 湿気る (shikkeiru) - Stay humid
• 湿す (shimesu) - Humidify
• 濡れ込む (nurekomu) - Being wet on the inside
• 濡れ物 (nuremono) - Wet objects
• 濡れたまま (nureta mama) - Stay wet
• 濡れ髪 (nuregami) - Wet hair
• 濡れたらすぐに (nuretara sugu ni) - As soon as it gets wet

湿る

Romaji: shimeru
Kana: しめる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: be wet; get wet; be humid

Meaning in English: to be wet;to become wet;to be damp

Definition: Something that contains water and gets wet.