How to say "fog" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

霧きりJLPT N3approx.Common
nounFog as a weather phenomenon: water droplets hanging in the air and cutting visibility, the white blanket over a valley on a cold morning. It also covers mist, its thinner form.
濃こい霧きりのために私わたしたちの飛行機ひこうきは遅おくれた。↗
A thick fog delayed our flight.
曇りくもりJLPT N5approx.Common
nounThe fog that forms on a mirror or glasses — condensation clouding a surface, not the air — as when glasses fog over in winter. It also covers a cloudy patch in marble and blurring.

Use 霧 for fog in the air, the weather phenomenon, and 「曇り」 for the fog that clouds a mirror or glasses — a surface film rather than something hanging in the air.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

霧きりfog
フォグfog
狭霧さぎりmist
煙霧えんむhaze
曇りくもりfog (on a mirror, glasses, etc.)

Say it right, write it right