How to say "wet" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 濡らすぬらすgodan verb, transitive verbA transitive verb for the act of making something wet — to wet, moisten, dampen, or soak it. Typical contexts include wetting a towel or getting clothes wet.
- na-adjective, nounA loanword adjective meaning simply that something is wet or moist. Use it to describe the state of things that are wet, such as hair or clothes after rain.
- 潤すうるおすgodan verb, transitive verbA transitive verb whose core sense is to moisten — to add moisture to something dry. It can mean to wet, but it suits moistening the throat or dry ground more than plain wetting.
- adverb (with と), suru verbAn onomatopoeic word for unpleasant dampness: damp, humid, or clammy conditions. Typical of muggy weather or a damp room, it suggests moisture felt on the skin or in the air.
- 湿っぽいしめっぽいi-adjectiveAn adjective describing things and conditions as damp or humid, such as damp weather or humid air, with a somewhat unpleasant, moisture-laden nuance.
Choose 「濡らす」 for the act of wetting or soaking something, 「潤す」 for moistening, 「ウェット」 to describe something as wet or moist, and 「じめじめ」 or 「湿っぽい」 for damp, humid, or clammy conditions.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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