noun
Visible water vapor rising from hot food, drinks, baths, or breath in cold air. Often used in everyday contexts.
鍋から湯気が立っている。
Steam is rising from the pot.
寒い朝、息が白い湯気になった。
On a cold morning, my breath turned into white vapor.
Compound of 湯 (yu, 'hot water') and 気 (ke, 'vapor, spirit'). The reading ゆげ is a regular rendaku form.