Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Humidity" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "humidity", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
湿度
しつど (shitsudo)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
湿気
しっけ (shikke)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "humidity" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 湿度 and 湿気.
In Japanese, 湿度 (しつど (shitsudo)) is typically associated with "humidity" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the amount of moisture in the air. Often used when talking about weather or room conditions..
On the other hand, 湿気 (しっけ (shikke)) maps to "humidity, moisture, dampness" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 空気中の水分や、物が帯びている湿り気を指します。不快な状態を表すことが多いですが、肌にとって良い意味で使われることもあります。. A literal translation of "humidity" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "湿度"
夏は湿度が高いので、エアコンが必要です。
In summer, the humidity is high, so an air conditioner is necessary.
Bilingual Context for "湿気"
日本の夏は湿気が多くて、蒸し暑いです。
Japanese summers have a lot of humidity and are muggy.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "夏は ＿＿＿ が高いので、エアコンが必要です。" (Meaning: "In summer, the humidity is high, so an air conditioner is necessary.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "湿度" fits here because it means "humidity" in the context of: "In summer, the humidity is high, so an air conditioner is necessary.". "湿気" represents "humidity, moisture, dampness".