Translation guide
The English word 'sweat' can refer to the liquid (noun) or the act of sweating (verb). In Japanese, different words are used for the substance, the action, and related expressions like 'sweat stains' or 'cold sweat'. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these concepts.
Referring to the moisture on the skin, especially from heat or exertion.
The action of producing sweat.
Describing a person or thing covered in sweat.
Describes being drenched in sweat. Very common.
A mark left by sweat on clothing.
A sweat stain. Commonly used for yellowish stains on shirts.
I got sweat stains on my dress shirt.
Sweat caused by fear, anxiety, or illness.
Referring to effort or labor, as in 'blood, sweat, and tears'.
The set phrase for 'blood, sweat, and tears'.
The verb 汗する (あせする) exists but is very rare and literary. Stick to 汗をかく for natural speech.
I was nervous and my hands got sweaty.
A formal or medical term for sweating. Used in technical contexts.
Sweating occurs due to exercise.
He came home dripping with sweat.
Soaked with sweat. Similar to 汗だく but emphasizes wetness.
My shirt is soaked with sweat.
To be slightly sweaty, to glisten with sweat. Often used for a light sweat.
It's warm enough to break a light sweat.
Literally 'cold sweat'. Used for nervous or fearful sweating.
I broke out in a cold sweat.
I had a close call and broke into a cold sweat.
Success is the fruit of blood, sweat, and tears.