Translation and Meaning of: 水蒸気 - suijyouki

The Japanese word 水蒸気[すいじょうき] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will see practical tips for memorizing it and curiosities that go beyond the literal translation.

If you have ever researched terms related to natural phenomena or science in Japanese, you have probably come across 水蒸気. This word plays an important role both in technical vocabulary and in everyday conversations. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide clear and precise explanations to help you truly master Japanese.

Meaning and usage of 水蒸気 (suijouki)

水蒸気 means "water vapor," specifically referring to the gaseous state of water. Unlike 湯気 (ゆげ), which describes visible steam – like that coming from a hot kettle – すいじょうき is used for the invisible vapor present in the atmosphere or in scientific processes.

In everyday life, the Japanese use this word in contexts such as weather forecasting or explanations about the water cycle. For example, when talking about humidity or cloud formation, it is common to hear 水蒸気 in news reports or science lessons. Its application is more technical than colloquial, but still relevant for those who want to understand the language in depth.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 水蒸気 is quite transparent: it combines the kanjis 水 (water), 蒸 (evaporate), and 気 (gas, energy). This composition follows the common logic in Japanese of uniting ideograms to create descriptive terms. The character 蒸, for example, appears in other words related to evaporation or steaming, such as 蒸す (むす).

It is worth noting that, although 気 alone can have various meanings, in this context it specifically indicates the gaseous state. This type of construction is typical of technical and scientific Japanese, which often uses combinations of kanjis to form precise concepts. Studying these components helps to memorize not only 水蒸気 but also other words from the same family.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 水蒸気 is to associate it with images of the water cycle, where evaporation plays a central role. Visualizing the process of transforming liquid water into vapor can help cement not only the word but its exact meaning. Another strategy is to contrast it with 湯気, its more visible "cousin" in everyday life.

Interestingly, 水蒸気 has a significant presence in Japanese educational materials on ecology and meteorology. If you watch documentaries or children's programs about science in Japan, you will probably encounter this word frequently. This consistent use in educational contexts shows how it is rooted in the way the Japanese explain natural phenomena.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 蒸気 (Jōki) - Vapor
• 水気 (Mizuke) - Moisture or water present in something
• 水蒸気状態 (Suijōki jōtai) - State of water vapor
• 水蒸気状 (Suijōki jō) - Water vapor form
• 水蒸気化 (Suijōki-ka) - Water vaporization process
• 水蒸気発生 (Suijōki hassei) - Water vapor generation
• 水蒸気量 (Suijōki ryō) - Amount of water vapor
• 水蒸気圧 (Suijōkiatsu) - Vapor pressure of water
• 水蒸気温度 (Suijōki ondo) - Water vapor temperature
• 水蒸気凝結 (Suijōki gyōketsu) - Condensation of water vapor
• 水蒸気生成 (Suijōki seisei) - Water vapor production
• 水蒸気排出 (Suijōki haishutsu) - Water vapor emission
• 水蒸気吸入 (Suijōki kyūnyū) - Water vapor inhalation

水蒸気

Romaji: suijyouki
Kana: すいじょうき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: water vapor; steam

Meaning in English: water vapour;steam

Definition: water in gaseous state.

Example Sentences - (水蒸気) suijyouki

See below some example sentences:

水蒸気が部屋に充満している。

Suijouki ga heya ni juuman shite iru

Steam is filling the room.

Water vapor is filled in the room.

• 水蒸気 - Water vapor
• が - subject particle
• 部屋 - quarto, living room, room
• に - Location particle
• 充満している - to be full, to be filled

噴出した水蒸気が空に舞い上がった。

Funsu shita suijōki ga sora ni maiagatta

The spat out water vapor flew into the sky.

• 噴出した (funsu shita) - verb meaning "to gush" or "to sneeze"
• 水蒸気 (suijouki) - noun meaning "water vapor"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 空 (sora) - noun meaning "heaven"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the target or location of the action
• 舞い上がった (maiagatta) - verb meaning "to dance up" or "to float", conjugated in the past tense