Translation guide
The English word 'stuffy' can describe a room that feels hot and lacking fresh air, a blocked nose, a formal or boring atmosphere, or a person who is overly conventional. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a room or space that feels hot, humid, and without enough ventilation.
Used for hot and humid conditions, often indoors when air is stagnant.
This room is stuffy, isn't it?
Literally 'poor ventilation', used when air doesn't circulate well.
This room is stuffy and suffocating.
Describes air that is trapped and stale.
The air is stuffy because the windows are shut tight.
Means 'suffocating' or 'hard to breathe', often due to stuffiness.
It's stuffy with so many people.
Describing a nose that is congested due to a cold or allergies.
Describing a place, event, or person that feels overly formal, dull, or conservative.
Means 'stiff', 'formal', or 'ceremonious' in a negative sense.
That restaurant is stuffy; I can't relax there.
Describes something overly formal or adhering strictly to etiquette.
I'm not good with stuffy, formal parties.
Means 'old-fashioned' or 'outdated', can imply stuffiness.
Describing a person who is rigid, conservative, or lacking openness.
鼻づまりがひどいです。
I have a bad stuffy nose.
His way of thinking is stuffy.
That teacher is stuffy and won't accept new methods.