Japanese word

汗

Pronunciation

Romajiase

Meaning

  • nounsweat

Example

毎日汗をかきます。mai nichi ase o ka ki ma su

I sweat every day.

Illustration for 汗 (sweat)

More examples

運動のあと、タオルで汗を拭きます。un dō no a to ta o ru de ase o fu ki ma su

After exercising, I wipe the sweat off with a towel.

Core concept

Describes the visible moisture that the body produces through the skin in response to heat, effort, or strong feelings.

Common phrases

  • 汗をかくase o ka ku

    sweat

  • 汗を拭くase o fu ku

    wipe away sweat

  • 汗が出るase ga de ru

    break into a sweat

Definition in Japanese

暑いときや体を動かしたときなどに、皮膚から出る水分。atsu i to ki ya karada o ugo ka shi ta to ki na do ni hi fu ka ra de ru sui bun

Word origin

汗 (ase, "sweat") is a native Japanese word rather than a borrowing, and 汗 is the kanji traditionally used to write it; its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • A large sweat drop is a familiar symbol in Japanese manga and anime for embarrassment or awkwardness, even when no literal sweat is present.

Related words

  • 汗ばむasebamubecome sweatyverb
  • 汗まみれasemamirecovered in sweatna-adjective

Word lists with this word