Nuance & Usage
湿度 refers to the level of moisture in the air. Japan is known for its high summer humidity, especially during the 梅雨 (tsuyu — rainy season). Common expressions: 湿度が高い/低い (high/low humidity), 湿度計 (hygrometer), 多湿 (tasshitsu — high humidity). The combination 高温多湿 (high temperature and high humidity) perfectly describes Japanese summers. 湿気 (shikke) is the colloquial word for dampness/humidity felt in everyday life (like musty humidity).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 湿度 (shitsudo — measured humidity percentage) with 湿気 (shikke — the sensation/presence of moisture/dampness in everyday speech). Weather forecasts use 湿度; daily conversation more often uses 湿気: 湿気が多い (it's muggy). Also: 蒸し暑い (mushi-atsui — hot and humid) is a very common compound adjective that captures the Japanese summer climate better than using 湿度 alone in conversation.
Example Sentences (3)
夏の日本は湿度が高くて、とても不快に感じることがあります。
なつのにほんはしつどがたかくて、とてもふかいにかんじることがあります。
Japanese summers have high humidity, and you can feel very uncomfortable.
今日の湿度は八十パーセントを超えています。
きょうのしつどははちじゅうぱーせんとをこえています。
Today's humidity is over 80 percent.
梅雨の時期は湿度が高くて、洗濯物が乾きにくいです。
つゆのじきはしつどがたかくて、せんたくものがかわきにくいです。
During the rainy season, the humidity is high and laundry is hard to dry.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N34 questionsTest your knowledge of 湿度 with 4 different question types.
Want to practice this word?
Add to Fujiyama & Study with AI
Generate more example sentences, listen to native pronunciation, and review with SRS — all personalized to your JLPT level.