Translation guide
In Japanese, 'dense fog' is most commonly expressed with 濃霧 (のうむ), a formal or technical term. In everyday speech, people often describe fog by its thickness using phrases like 濃い霧 (こいきり) or 深い霧 (ふかいきり). There are also evocative words like 霞 (かすみ) for haze and 霧 (きり) for general fog, but to emphasize density, modifiers are needed.
dense fog (everyday)
dense fog (formal/technical)
To describe fog that is dense or thick in casual conversation or writing.
Literally 'thick fog'. This is the most natural and common way to say 'dense fog' in everyday Japanese.
This morning, I couldn't see ahead because of the dense fog.
A dense fog is hanging over the area.
Literally 'deep fog'. Conveys a sense of being enveloped in thick fog, often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
A sentence pattern meaning 'the fog is thick'. Useful for describing current conditions.
To refer to dense fog in weather reports, news, or formal writing.
The standard technical term for 'dense fog', used in weather forecasts and official contexts.
A dense fog advisory has been issued.
Visibility is less than 50 meters due to dense fog.
To describe a dense, misty fog often associated with spring or autumn, with a softer nuance.
Refers to a haze or mist, often implying a soft, blurring effect. Not as thick as 濃霧, but can be used poetically for dense atmospheric haze, especially in spring.
The distant mountains look hazy in the spring mist.
General word for 'fog'. To express density, it must be modified (e.g., 濃い霧). Alone, it does not necessarily mean 'dense fog'.
Using 霧 alone does not convey density. Always add an adjective like 濃い or 深い unless context makes it clear.
濃い霧 (こいきり) is the everyday phrase, while 濃霧 (のうむ) is a compound word used in formal or technical contexts like weather reports. In casual speech, 濃い霧 is preferred.
The train was delayed due to thick fog.
The highway was closed due to dense fog.
To emphasize how thick the fog is, you can use expressions like 真っ白な霧 (まっしろなきり, pure white fog) or 一寸先も見えない (いっすんさきもみえない, can't see an inch ahead).
The airport was closed due to dense fog.
We got lost in the dense fog.
The mountain was shrouded in dense fog.
The fog is thick outside, so be careful.
霧が深くて、何も見えなかった。
The fog was so thick I couldn't see anything.