霞む

• Reading: かすむ
• Romaji: kasumu
• Kanji breakdown: 霞 (ka/kasu) — mist, haze, fog
• Pronunciation: /ka.sɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

To become misty; to become hazy; to be blurred. Describes vision or scenery becoming indistinct.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb describing things becoming indistinct due to mist, haze, or blurred vision. Used literally for landscapes obscured by weather, and figuratively for eyes blurring with tears or fatigue, or for something being overshadowed by something more impressive (霞んで見える). A word with strong seasonal and poetic associations.

Examples

1. 春になると山が霞んで見える。 In spring, the mountains look hazy.
2. 涙で目の前が霞んでしまった。 My vision blurred with tears.
3. 彼女の歌声の前では他の出演者が霞んで見えた。 The other performers were overshadowed by her singing voice.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, poetry, description

Tone: poetic

Origin & History

The kanji 霞 combines 雨 (rain) and 叚 (borrow/temporary), suggesting a temporary veil of moisture in the air. In Japanese poetry, 霞 is a seasonal word (kigo) associated with spring.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal