Translation and Meaning of: 煙 - kemuri
If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 煙[けむり]. This simple yet meaningful word appears in various contexts in Japan, from daily life to deeper cultural expressions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing, and how it is perceived by native speakers. Additionally, we will provide tips for memorizing it and its use in real situations.
Smoke [けむり] is a term that goes beyond its literal translation. It carries cultural and even philosophical nuances, depending on the context in which it is used. If you want to better understand this word and how to use it correctly, keep reading to discover everything about 煙[けむり] and its place in the Japanese language.
Meaning and translation of 煙[けむり]
The word 煙[けむり] means "smoke." It is used to describe the smoke that comes from a flame, such as from a campfire, cigarette, or incense. However, its meaning can extend to represent something ephemeral or fleeting, as smoke dissipates quickly in the air.
In some contexts, 煙[けむり] can also have a metaphorical tone, indicating something that is obscure or difficult to understand. For example, when someone says that a situation is "full of smoke," it may mean that there is something hidden or confusing. This duality between the literal and the figurative makes the word especially interesting for Japanese language learners.
Origin and writing of the kanji 煙
The kanji 煙 is composed of two main elements: the radical 火 (fire) and the part 垔, which used to represent something dark or foggy. Together, they form the idea of "smoke" as a result of combustion. This combination not only aids in memorizing the character but also reinforces its original meaning.
It is worth noting that 煙 is one of the kanjis that can be written in a simplified form in Japan, especially in informal contexts. However, its traditional version is still widely used in formal texts and literature. Being able to recognize both forms can be useful for those deepening their studies in the language.
Cultural usage and frequency in everyday life
In Japan, 煙[けむり] is not just an everyday word, but also appears in expressions and proverbs. One example is "煙のように消える" (kemuri no you ni kieru), which means "to disappear like smoke," used to describe something that vanishes quickly. This expression reflects the Japanese perspective on the transience of things.
Furthermore, smoke plays an important role in traditional ceremonies, such as the use of incense in Buddhist temples. In these contexts, 煙[けむり] takes on an almost spiritual meaning, symbolizing the connection between the physical and the metaphysical world. This richness of uses demonstrates how an apparently simple word can carry multiple layers of meaning.
Tips for memorizing 煙[けむり]
An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with the radical 火 (fire), present in the kanji. Since smoke is produced by fire, this link helps to fix both the writing and the meaning. Another tip is to create simple sentences, such as "煙が出る" (kemuri ga deru - "smoke comes out"), to practice its use in real contexts.
Some students also find it helpful to connect 煙[けむり] to mental images, such as smoke rising from a cup of hot tea or incense. This visual technique can enhance memorization, especially for those who learn better with concrete associations. Try different methods until you find what works best for you.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 煙霧 (enmu) - Cloud of smoke, mist.
- 煙けむり (kemuri) - Smoke, type of smoke.
- 煙煙 (kemuri) - Smoke, used to emphasize the presence of smoke.
Related words
Romaji: kemuri
Kana: けむり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: smoke; toxic gases
Meaning in English: smoke;fumes
Definition: A gas with a white or black smell that is produced when something is burned.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (煙) kemuri
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (煙) kemuri:
Example Sentences - (煙) kemuri
See below some example sentences:
Kemuri ga me ni shimiru
The smoke is annoying my eyes.
The smoke is soaked.
- 煙 (kemuri) - smoke
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 目 (me) - Eye
- に (ni) - target particle
- しみる (shimiru) - penetrate, enter (in this case, the smoke enters the eyes)
Kakou kara kemuri ga tachiagatte iru
Smoke is leaving the crater.
The smoke is standing from the crater.
- 火口 (kakou) - volcano eruption
- から (kara) - from, starting at
- 煙 (kemuri) - smoke
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 立ち上がっている (tachiagatteiru) - It's rising, it's rising
Nebai heya de sugosu no wa nigate desu
I'm not good at spending time in a smoke room.
- 煙い (kusai) - full of smoke
- 部屋 (heya) - Room, living room
- で (de) - in, within
- 過ごす (sugosu) - spend time)
- のは (no wa) - Topic particle
- 苦手 (nigate) - not being good at, not liking
- です (desu) - to be, to be (polite form)
Tabako wo suu no wa kenkou ni warui desu
Smoking cigarettes is harmful to health.
Smoking tobacco is bad for your health.
- 煙草 (tabaco) - noun
- を (partícula de objeto) - particle
- 吸う (fumar) - verb
- のは (partícula de tópico) - particle
- 健康 (saúde) - noun
- に (partícula de destino) - particle
- 悪い (ruim) - adjective
- です (verbo ser/estar) - verb
Enototsu kara kemuri ga tachiagatte iru
Smoke is leaving the chimney.
The smoke is standing from the chimney.
- 煙突 (entotsu) - chimney
- から (kara) - from, starting at
- 煙 (kemuri) - smoke
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 立ち上がっている (tachiagatteiru) - It's rising, it's rising
Kemuru kuuki ga watashitachi no me wo shigeki suru
The smoky air stimulates our eyes.
- 煙る (kemuru) - verb that means "to be smoking, to be fogging"
- 空気 (kuuki) - noun that means "air"
- が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 私たち (watashitachi) - pronoun that means "we"
- の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
- 目 (me) - noun that means "eyes"
- を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 刺激する (shigeki suru) - verb that means "to stimulate, to irritate"
Kin'en wa kenkou ni yoi desu
Smoking is good for your health.
- 禁煙 - "禁煙" em japonês.
- は - It is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
- 健康 - It means "health" in Japanese.
- に - It is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the relationship between two things.
- 良い - A tradução de "bom" em japonês é "良い" (yoi).
- です - It is a polite way to say "is" in Japanese.
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun