霧

• Reading: きり
• Romaji: kiri
• Kanji breakdown: 霧 (kiri) — fog; composed of 雨 (rain radical) + 務 (phonetic)
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɾi/

Meaning

Fog; mist. A thick cloud of water droplets near the ground that reduces visibility.

Meteorologically, 霧 refers to fog (visibility under 1 km), while もや (haze) has better visibility. Common phrases include 霧が出る (fog appears) and 霧が晴れる (fog clears). Some regions of Japan, like Hokkaido, are known for frequent fog.

Examples

1. 朝、山に霧がかかっていました。 In the morning, fog hung over the mountain.
2. 霧が濃くて、前が見えませんでした。 The fog was so thick I couldn't see ahead.
3. 霧が晴れたら、きれいな景色が見えました。 When the fog cleared, a beautiful view appeared.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, nature, driving

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 霧 combines 雨 (rain) at the top with 務 (duty/service) as a phonetic component, describing moisture suspended in the air like fine rain.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal