湯気|ゆげyuge[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounsteam; vapour; vapor
   薬缶やかんから湯気ゆげが立たっている。↗

   The kettle is steaming.

• SynonymスチームNeutralA loanword for steam, mostly seen in compounds like 「スチームオーブン」; 「湯気」 is the white steam you can see rising.
• Synonym水蒸気すいじょうきNeutralThe scientific term for water vapour, though it can also describe visible misty white vapour; 「湯気」 is specifically the white steam rising off something hot.
• Synonym蒸気じょうきNeutralSteam in general, often linked to machinery as in 「蒸気機関」; it can also mean hot vapour, while 「湯気」 is the white steam rising from hot water.
• Synonym湯煙ゆけむりNeutralSteam rising from a hot spring or bath, common in onsen advertising; 「湯気」 is the more everyday word.

Use 「湯気」 for the white steam rising from hot water or food. For the scientific term pick 「水蒸気」; for steam in general, especially with machinery, 「蒸気」; for hot-spring steam 「湯煙」; 「スチーム」 turns up in compounds like 「スチームオーブン」.

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

1. 熱ねつを持もったものから立ち上たちのぼる水蒸気すいじょうきが空気くうき中ちゅうで冷ひやされ白しろい煙けむりのようになって見みえるもの。