Translation and Meaning of: 湿気る - shikeru

The Japanese word 湿気る[しける] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances that are worth exploring. If you have ever wondered about its exact meaning, how to use it in daily life, or even its origin, this article will guide you through these answers. In addition, we will dive into how this word is perceived in Japan, from its cultural use to practical tips for memorizing it.

If you are learning Japanese, you may have noticed that some words have more complex meanings than they appear. 湿気る is no exception. Here, we will uncover its details clearly, without unnecessary complications. And if you want to go further, Suki Nihongo offers a complete dictionary to deepen your studies.

Meaning and usage of 湿気る

湿気る means "to become moist" or "to absorb humidity," describing something that becomes wet due to moisture in the air or with liquids. It is a verb often used to talk about clothes, food, or even the weather. For example, if you leave cookies out of their packaging on a rainy day, they can 湿気る quickly.

In everyday Japanese, this word appears in practical contexts, such as when complaining about the humid weather or when storing items that need to stay dry. Unlike words like 濡れる (to become wet from direct liquids), 湿気る has a more indirect relationship with humidity, almost as if the surrounding environment is to blame.

Origin and writing of 湿気る

The word 湿気る is composed of two kanji: 湿 (wet) and 気 (energy, air). Together, they form the idea of humidity in the air or in objects. The first kanji, 湿, appears in other related words, such as 湿度 (relative humidity), showing its direct connection to the concept of moisture.

Interestingly, the verb しける can also be written only in hiragana, especially in informal contexts. However, the kanji version is more common in written texts, such as newspapers or books. This flexibility in writing reflects how the Japanese language balances formality and practicality.

Tips for memorizing and using 湿気る

An effective way to 湿気る is to associate it with concrete situations. Think about how clothes feel when left on the line on a humid day, or how a bag of snacks loses its crunch if left open. These images help to naturally fix the meaning.

Another tip is to observe the kanji 湿, which shares the water radical (氵). This visual detail reinforces the connection of the word with humidity. If you are already familiar with like 温泉 (onsen) or 湿度, this connection becomes even clearer, creating a network of useful vocabulary to expand your knowledge.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 湿気る

• 湿気る - Uninflected form
• 湿気ます - Polite form of address
• 湿気ない Negative form nai form
• 湿気ました - Shape past form

Synonyms and similar words

• 蒸れる (mureru) - Feel stuffy, soaked with steam.
• 湿る (shimeru) - Get wet or damp.
• 湿気っぽい (shikkeppoi) - Being with excessive humidity, giving a feeling of dampness.
• 湿っぽい (shimpoppai) - To have moisture, appearance or feeling of wetness.
• 湿度が高い (shitsudo ga takai) - Alta umidade.
• 湿度がある (shitsudo ga aru) - Have humidity present.
• 湿度が多い (shitsudo ga ooi) - A high amount of humidity.
• 湿気がたまる (shikke ga tamaru) - Accumulation of moisture in the environment.
• 湿気が漂う (shikke ga tadayou) - Humidity hovering in the air.
• 湿気が充満する (shikke ga juuman suru) - Humidity filling a space.
• 湿気が満ちる (shikke ga michiru) - Abundant humidity in the environment.
• 湿気が重い (shikke ga omoi) - Humidity that feels dense in the air.
• 湿気が滲む (shikke ga nijimu) - Moisture that seeps or permeates.
• 湿気が染み込む (shikke ga shimi komu) - Humidity that is absorbed or penetrates something.
• 湿気が強い (shikke ga tsuyoi) - Intense or heavy humidity.