Translation guide
To make something slightly wet or damp. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the verb 湿らせる (shimeraseru), but other expressions exist depending on what is being moistened and the method used.
To add a small amount of liquid to something so that it becomes damp, not soaking wet.
The most direct and common verb for 'moisten'. It is transitive and can be used for a wide range of objects.
Please moisten the cloth before wiping.
I drank water to moisten my throat.
Means 'to wet' or 'to moisten', but often implies making something wetter than 湿らせる. Can be used when the degree of wetness is not strictly 'slightly wet'.
Please moisten the towel with water.
Often used for moistening skin, lips, or throat, with a nuance of restoring moisture or providing hydration. More literary or formal.
This cream moistens the skin.
To add liquid to food during preparation to keep it from drying out.
To lick one's lips or take a sip to make them wet.
To add moisture to the air to increase humidity.
I moistened my mouth with cold tea.
Moisten the plants (provide humidity).