Translation and Meaning of: 湿気 - shiki

The Japanese word 湿気[しっき] is a common term in everyday vocabulary, especially in regions with a humid climate. If you have studied Japanese or visited Japan, you have probably encountered this expression in weather forecasts, conversations, or even on packaging for anti-mold products. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is perceived in Japanese culture. Furthermore, we will look at practical tips for memorizing it and using it correctly.

Understanding 湿気 goes beyond simple translation. It is connected to sensations, habits, and even traditional Japanese architecture. If you truly want to learn Japanese, knowing terms like this is essential. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always strive to provide clear and contextualized explanations so your study is more efficient.

Meaning and usage of 湿気 in everyday Japanese.

Humidity [しっき] means "humidity" or "damp air" and is used to describe the presence of water vapor in the environment. Unlike water content [水分 すいぶん] (water contained in something), it specifically refers to atmospheric humidity. For example, on muggy days, the Japanese often say "今日は湿気が多いね" (it's very humid today).

The term frequently appears in discussions about climate, health, and home care. In the summer, when humidity can exceed 80%, magazines and TV programs offer tips to reduce 湿気 in spaces. This practical context makes it a useful word for those who want to communicate naturally in Japan.

The origin and the kanji of 湿気

The composition of 湿気 reveals a lot about its meaning. The first kanji, 湿, contains the radical 氵(water) and represents wet or humid things. Meanwhile, 気, one of the most versatile characters in Japanese, here takes on the meaning of "air" or "atmosphere." Together, they form the idea of "air filled with humidity."

Interestingly, this combination was already used in classical Chinese before being incorporated into Japanese. Unlike many words of purely Japanese origin, 湿気 maintains a direct relationship with its original meaning. This makes it easier to memorize for those who have been studying kanji for some time.

Tips for memorizing and using 湿気 correctly

An effective way to remember 湿気 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think about how the air feels heavy before it rains or the steam rising from a hot pot. These images help create lasting mental connections. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences like "部屋の湿気を取る" (remove the humidity from the room).

Avoid confusing 湿気 with similar terms like 湿度[しつど] (percentage of humidity). While the former describes humidity itself, the latter is a technical measurement. Paying attention to these details will make a big difference in your fluency. Why not start observing when and how the Japanese use this word in their daily lives?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 蒸し暑さ (mushi atsusa) - Calor úmido
• 湿度 (shitsudo) - humidity level
• 蒸気 (jouki) - Vapor
• 湿り気 (shimari-ki) - Humidity in the air
• 湿潤 (shitsujun) - Úmido, molhado
• 湿った (shimetta) - Estar úmido
• 湿気った (shikkeitta) - Affected by humidity
• 湿り (shimari) - moisture
• 湿気り (shitsukiri) - Be humid, moisture present
• 湿っぽい (shippoppoi) - Feeling damp, wet to the touch
• 湿気が多い (shitsuke ga ooi) - Alta umidade
• 湿気を含んだ (shitsuke wo fukunda) - Umidade contida
• 湿気を帯びた (shitsuke wo obita) - Respirar umidade
• 湿気を含んでいる (shitsuke wo funda iru) - Contendo umidade
• 湿気がある (shitsuke ga aru) - Há umidade
• 湿気を帯びている (shitsuke wo obite iru) - Being under the influence of humidity
• 湿気を帯びた空気 (shitsuke wo obita kuuki) - Ar úmido
• 湿気を含んだ空気 (shitsuke wo funda kuuki) - Sour dough contains moisture.
• 湿気を含んでいる空気 (shitsuke wo funda iru kuuki) - Ah, it is damp.

湿気

Romaji: shiki
Kana: しっき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: humidity;humidity;humidity

Meaning in English: moisture;humidity;dampness

Definition: water vapor contained in the air.

Example Sentences - (湿気) shiki

See below some example sentences:

木材が湿気で反ってしまった。

Mokuzai ga shikke de sorotte shimatta

The wood has warped due to moisture.

The wood was warped with moisture.

• 木材 - Means "wood" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 湿気 - means "moisture" in Japanese.
• で - location particle in Japanese.
• 反ってしまった - is the past form of the verb 反る (sorou), which means "to bow" or "to bend", and the particle しまった (shimatta) indicates that the action was completed in a negative way.