Translation guide
Describes a visible mass of dust particles in the air, often raised by movement, wind, or an explosion. Japanese has several expressions depending on the cause, density, and context.
Express a cloud of dust kicked up by something moving across a dry surface.
Literally 'sand dust'. The most common word for a cloud of fine dust or sand blown up by wind or movement.
A cloud of dust rose when the car passed.
Literally 'earth smoke'. Emphasizes the smoke-like appearance of a thick dust cloud, often from vehicles or running.
The truck sped away, raising a cloud of dust.
General word for dust. Can be used with verbs like 舞う (to dance/flutter) to describe a dust cloud, but less vivid than 砂埃 or 土煙.
Dust is swirling in the wind.
Describe a large, dense cloud of dust resulting from a sudden destructive event.
Fine particulate dust, often used in industrial or explosive contexts. Can refer to a dust cloud from a building collapse or explosion.
A cloud of dust hung in the air after the explosion.
Also used for dust clouds from collapses or landslides, emphasizing the earthy, smoky quality.
Refer to a naturally occurring dust cloud, such as a dust devil or wind-blown dust.
Sand and dust blown by the wind, often in arid regions. Can refer to a dust storm or a smaller cloud.
Clouds of dust blow across the desert.
Also suitable for natural dust clouds, though more commonly associated with man-made causes.
Use 'cloud of dust' metaphorically, e.g., in a race or chaotic situation.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'in a cloud of dust', often used to describe a hasty departure or intense action.
He ran off in a cloud of dust.
砂埃 (すなぼこり) is the most general and common term for a cloud of dust, especially fine sand or dust. 土煙 (つちけむり) emphasizes a thick, smoke-like cloud, often from vehicles or collapses. 粉塵 (ふんじん) is finer particulate matter, often used in technical or explosive contexts.
The verb 舞う (to dance, flutter) is commonly used with dust-related nouns to describe particles swirling in the air, e.g., 砂埃が舞う (a cloud of dust swirls).
The building collapsed, sending up a cloud of dust.
The strong wind is kicking up a lot of dust.