汗

• Reading: あせ
• Romaji: ase
• Kanji breakdown: 汗 (kan/ase) — sweat, perspiration
• Pronunciation: /a.se/

Meaning

Sweat; perspiration. The moisture produced by the body during physical exertion or heat.

A common noun used both literally for physical perspiration and figuratively in expressions about hard work. Key phrases include 汗をかく (to sweat), 冷や汗 (cold sweat, from nervousness), and 汗水たらして (working up a sweat). Deeply tied to the Japanese value of effort and diligence.

Examples

1. 運動した後は汗をたくさんかく。 You sweat a lot after exercising.
2. プレゼンの前に冷や汗が出た。 I broke out in a cold sweat before the presentation.
3. 額の汗をタオルで拭いた。 I wiped the sweat from my forehead with a towel.

Usage Guide

Context: exercise, weather, nervousness

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 汗 combines the water radical 氵 with 干 (dry), suggesting moisture that evaporates from the body.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal