Translation guide
Describes air that feels damp and moist, often uncomfortably so. Japanese has several words for humidity, but the most common and natural way to say 'it's humid' is 蒸し暑い (mushiatsui), which combines heat and humidity. Simply saying 湿気が多い (shikke ga ooi) is also common. Be careful: directly translating 'humid' as 湿った (shimetta) is usually unnatural for weather.
It's humid (hot and muggy).
It's humid (damp).
Describing weather that is both hot and humid, typical of Japanese summers.
The most common and natural word for 'hot and humid'. It combines 蒸す (to steam) and 暑い (hot). Use this for typical summer humidity.
It's humid today, isn't it?
Literally 'there is a lot of moisture'. A common way to say it's humid, without necessarily implying heat. Can be used for any humid condition.
This room is humid.
A colloquial, onomatopoeic way to say it's muggy and humid. Often used in casual conversation.
It's muggy outside, huh?
Describes a damp, sticky humidity, often with a negative nuance. Used for weather or places that feel unpleasantly wet.
I hate how damp and humid it is during the rainy season.
Literally 'humidity is high'. More technical or formal. Used in weather forecasts or when talking about humidity levels.
Describing air that is damp and moist, but not necessarily warm. For example, a cool, humid basement.
Works for any humid condition, regardless of temperature.
The basement is humid.
Means 'damp' or 'moist', often for air or atmosphere. Can be used for cool, humid places.
Also works for cool, damp humidity, especially if it feels unpleasant.
This cave is damp and humid.
Describing a place that generally has a humid climate.
The word 湿った (shimetta) means 'damp' or 'moist' and is used for objects like towels or soil, not for describing humid air or weather. Saying 空気が湿っている (kuuki ga shimette iru) is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural for everyday conversation about humidity. Use 蒸し暑い or 湿気が多い instead.
蒸し暑い (mushiatsui) emphasizes the combination of heat and humidity, typical of summer. ジメジメ (jimejime) focuses on the unpleasant dampness and can be used even when it's not hot, like during the rainy season or in a damp room.
Japanese summers are humid and tough.
It's humid today, so my hair gets frizzy.
Today humidity is high, so be careful of heatstroke.
This room feels kind of damp/humid.
This plant grows in humid regions.