Translation guide
The English word 'vapour' (or 'vapor' in American English) refers to a substance in the gas phase, especially when it is visible like mist, steam, or fog. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 蒸気 (じょうき), but other words like 湯気 (ゆげ) for steam from hot water, or 水蒸気 (すいじょうき) for water vapor in scientific contexts, are used depending on the situation.
To refer to the visible mist or steam rising from hot water, food, or breath, especially in everyday situations.
This is the most natural word for the visible steam rising from hot food, drinks, or bathwater. It specifically implies steam from hot water.
熱いお茶から湯気が立っている。
Steam is rising from the hot tea.
風呂の湯気で鏡が曇った。
The mirror fogged up from the steam of the bath.
A more general term for vapor or steam, often used in technical or mechanical contexts (e.g., steam engine), but can also refer to visible steam in everyday life.
蒸気機関車が駅に入ってきた。
The steam locomotive came into the station.
Used to describe visible breath on a cold day. Literally 'breath is white'.
寒くて息が白い。
It's so cold you can see your breath.
To refer to water vapor as a component of the atmosphere, often related to humidity, condensation, or scientific contexts.
The scientific term for water vapor. Used when discussing humidity, condensation, or the water cycle.
空気中の水蒸気が冷えて水滴になる。
Water vapor in the air cools and becomes water droplets.
Refers to moisture or humidity in the air, often with a nuance of dampness. Not exactly 'vapor' but related when talking about humid conditions.
To refer to vapor from chemicals, fuels, or industrial processes, often with a nuance of fumes or gas.
Used broadly for vapor in technical or industrial contexts, including chemical vapors.
化学薬品の蒸気を吸わないように注意してください。
Be careful not to inhale the chemical vapors.
Often used for gas or vapor, especially when referring to fuel or harmful fumes. More general than 蒸気.
ガソリンのガスが充満している。
The area is filled with gasoline vapors.
To refer to a visible suspension of water droplets in the air, like mist or fog, which can be considered a type of vapor.
The standard word for fog or mist. While not exactly 'vapor', it is often used when English might say 'vapor' for a visible mist.
朝、川の上に霧がかかっていた。
In the morning, a mist hung over the river.
A literary or poetic word for haze or mist, often implying a thin, lingering vapor.
春の野に靄が立ちこめる。
A haze hangs over the spring fields.
湯気 (ゆげ) is specifically the visible steam from hot water, like from a kettle or bath. 蒸気 (じょうき) is a broader term for steam or vapor, often used in mechanical or industrial contexts (e.g., steam engine). 水蒸気 (すいじょうき) is the scientific term for water vapor, invisible in the air. Use 湯気 for everyday visible steam, 蒸気 for general or technical vapor, and 水蒸気 for scientific discussions of humidity or condensation.
English 'vapor' can sometimes be used loosely for smoke, but in Japanese, 煙 (けむり) is smoke from burning, while 蒸気/湯気 is steam or vapor from water. Be careful not to use 煙 for steam.
The humidity in the room is terrible.