Japanese Conversation · Level 46
90 words
Japanese word
かすむ
Pronunciation
Romajikasumu
Meaning
- verbbecome misty
Example
朝は霧で、遠くの景色がかすみます。asa wa kiri de tō ku no keshiki ga ka su mi ma su
In the morning, distant scenery becomes misty because of the fog.
More examples
疲れると、目がかすみます。tsuka re ru to me ga ka su mi ma su
When I get tired, my vision becomes blurred.
Core concept
Describes a view or image losing sharpness when something thin and diffuse comes between the observer and what is seen.
Common phrases
目がかすむme ga ka su mu
one's vision becomes blurred
霧でかすむkiri de ka su mu
become hazy in the fog
Similar words
ぼやけるboyakeru: To lose a clear shape or outline in an image or view.
曇るkumoru: To become less clear because of clouds, moisture, or a change in light.
にじむnijimu: To become indistinct, with shapes or details losing their clear outline.
Definition in Japanese
空気中の水分や煙などにさえぎられ、物の輪郭や視界がぼやける。kū ki chū no sui bun ya kemuri na do ni sa e gi ra re mono no rin kaku ya shi kai ga bo ya ke ru
Word origin
The native Japanese verb かすむ (kasumu, "to become hazy") is associated with 霞 (kasumi, "haze"), which names the veil that makes distant scenery indistinct.
Usage tips
- The same verb かすむ (kasumu) also describes vision becoming unclear from tears or eye strain, not only distant scenery becoming hazy.