Translation guide
The English word 'damp' describes something slightly wet, often in an unpleasant or undesirable way. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 湿った (shimetta), but other words and phrases are used depending on the context, such as for weather, air, or objects.
damp (slightly wet)
damp (weather)
Describing something that is slightly wet, often with a negative connotation (e.g., clothes, ground, towel).
The most common and versatile adjective for 'damp'. It implies an undesirable wetness.
This towel is still damp.
Wearing damp clothes feels unpleasant.
Often used for a damp and humid atmosphere, or for things that feel unpleasantly moist. More emphatic than 湿った.
This room is damp and musty.
A more formal or descriptive phrase meaning 'having moisture/dampness'. Often used in written contexts.
Describing weather, climate, or air that is damp, humid, and often unpleasant.
Literally 'humidity is high'. The standard way to say the air/weather is damp or humid.
It's damp today.
Japanese summers are damp and muggy.
Onomatopoeic word for damp, humid, and often gloomy weather. Very common in casual speech.
It's damp every day because of the rainy season.
A formal, technical term for 'humid' or 'damp', often used in weather forecasts or scientific contexts.
Describing a surface, ground, or floor that is damp, often from moisture or rain.
湿った (shimetta) means 'damp' or 'moist', implying slight wetness. 濡れた (nureta) means 'wet', implying more water. If something is just a little wet, use 湿った. If it's soaked, use 濡れた.
The towel is damp.
The towel is wet.
Damp soil is good for plants.
Damp air is flowing in.
The floor is damp, so be careful.