At the A1 level, you should learn '乾燥' (kansou) as a basic noun for 'dryness'. You will mostly see it in very simple contexts like weather or food. For example, 'Kansou desu' (It is dry). At this stage, it is more important to recognize the word when you see it on a package of dried fruit or hear it on the news. You might not use it often in your own speaking yet, as beginners usually learn 'kawaita' (dry) or 'nodo ga kawaita' (I am thirsty) first. Think of 'kansou' as a label you see in shops or on TV. It is a 'building block' word. You can remember it by looking at the first kanji '乾', which also appears in 'kawakasu' (to dry). Even at A1, knowing that 'kansou' means dry helps you understand labels on food like 'dried seaweed' (kansou wakame). It is a very useful word for surviving in a Japanese supermarket or understanding why your skin feels itchy in the winter.
At the A2 level, you start using '乾燥' (kansou) more actively, especially as a 'suru-verb' (乾燥する). You can use it to describe the weather or your skin. For example, 'Fuyu wa kuuki ga kansou shimasu' (In winter, the air gets dry). You will also notice it in compound words. At this level, you should be able to understand simple warnings like 'Kansou ni chuui' (Beware of dryness). You are likely learning about seasons and health, so 'kansou' becomes a key vocabulary item for discussing why you need to use a humidifier (kashitsuki) or lotion. You should also start to distinguish 'kansou' from 'kawaku'. Remember: 'kansou' is a bit more formal and is used for the environment. If you want to say your laundry is dry, 'kawaita' is still better, but if you are reading the instructions on a washing machine, you will see the 'kansou' button. Learning this word helps you navigate daily life tasks like doing laundry and taking care of your health in different seasons.
At the B1 level, you should have a firm grasp of '乾燥' (kansou) in various contexts. You can use it to describe not just the weather, but also industrial processes and specific health conditions. You should understand the causative form 'kansou saseru' (to make something dry) and use it when explaining how to preserve food or dry materials. You will also encounter 'kansou' in more complex grammar patterns, such as 'kansou shiyasui' (easy to dry out) or 'kansou wo fusegu' (to prevent dryness). This is the level where you might start noticing the metaphorical use of the word, like in 'mumi-kansou' (dull/dry). You should be able to read news reports about 'kansou chuuihou' (dry weather warnings) and understand the implications, such as the risk of fire. Your vocabulary is expanding, so you should be able to explain the difference between 'kansou' and other related words like 'shikke' (humidity) or 'mizuke' (moisture) in simple Japanese. You are moving beyond basic survival Japanese into more descriptive and functional language.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '乾燥' (kansou) with precision in professional or academic discussions. You can talk about 'kansou chitai' (arid regions) in the context of geography or 'kansou gijutsu' (drying technology) in a technical sense. You understand the nuances of the word when used in literature to describe a 'dry' atmosphere or a character's personality. You should be comfortable using the word in formal writing, such as reports or essays. For example, discussing the 'kansou taisaku' (dryness measures) of a city or a company. You also know related technical terms like 'desiccation' or 'dehydration' and when 'kansou' is the appropriate Japanese equivalent. At this level, you can handle the homophone 'kansou' (thoughts/impressions) without confusion, even in fast-paced conversation. You can also use the word to describe abstract concepts, like a 'dry' (clinical) approach to a problem. Your ability to use 'kansou' reflects a sophisticated understanding of both the physical world and the nuances of Japanese register.
At the C1 level, your use of '乾燥' (kansou) is nuanced and stylistically appropriate. You can discuss complex topics like 'global aridification' or the chemical processes of 'lyophilization' (freeze-drying) using 'kansou' and its related technical terms. You are sensitive to the word's placement in high-level literature, where it might be used to evoke a sense of spiritual or emotional barrenness. You can analyze the difference between 'kansou' and more obscure synonyms like 'souretsu' (parched) or 'kankitsu' (dryness/drought). Your command of yojijukugo (four-character idioms) like 'mumi-kansou' is natural, and you can use them to critique a piece of writing or a boring lecture effectively. In a business setting, you can discuss the 'kansou koutei' (drying process) in manufacturing with total clarity. You are also aware of the cultural connotations of 'kansou' in Japan, such as its link to traditional food preservation and seasonal rituals. Your language use is not just accurate but also culturally grounded and rhetorically flexible.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '乾燥' (kansou). You can use it in highly specialized academic fields, such as meteorology, materials science, or literary criticism, with the same ease as a native speaker. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its kanji. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions where 'dryness' is a metaphor for modernity, alienation, or aesthetic minimalism. You can effortlessly switch between the most technical applications of the word and its most poetic or colloquial forms. You might use 'kansou' to describe the 'dry' wit of an author or the 'desiccated' state of a historical document. Your understanding of the word is integrated into a vast web of Japanese vocabulary, allowing you to choose 'kansou' or an alternative with perfect precision to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. You are essentially indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker in your ability to manipulate this word across all possible domains of human experience and knowledge.

乾燥 en 30 segundos

  • Kansou means dryness or drying, used for weather, skin, and food.
  • It can be a noun or a suru-verb (kansou suru) to describe the process.
  • In winter, Japan faces high 'kansou', leading to health and fire warnings.
  • Metaphorically, it describes things that are dull or lacking in emotion.

The Japanese word 乾燥 (かんそう - kansou) is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'dryness' or 'drying' in English. It is a Sino-Japanese word (kango) composed of two kanji: 乾 (dry/arid) and 燥 (parched/dry up). This word is not merely a description of a lack of moisture; it encompasses a wide range of physical, environmental, and even metaphorical states. In its most literal sense, it describes the state of the atmosphere, materials, or biological surfaces when they lack water or humidity. For learners of Japanese, understanding this word is crucial because Japan's climate is characterized by distinct seasonal shifts in humidity, making 'kansou' a frequent topic of daily conversation, news reports, and health advice.

Environmental Context
During the winter months in Japan, particularly on the Pacific side, the air becomes incredibly dry due to cold winds from the continent. You will frequently hear the term '乾燥注意報' (kansou chuuihou), which is a dry weather warning issued by the meteorological agency to alert the public about the increased risk of fires and health issues like dry skin or sore throats.

冬は空気が乾燥しているので、火の元に注意してください。 (Since the air is dry in winter, please be careful with fire.)

Beyond the weather, kansou is heavily used in the beauty and health industries. '乾燥肌' (kansou-hada) refers to dry skin, a common complaint during the colder months. Skincare products are often marketed with their ability to combat 'kansou' or provide 'kansou taisaku' (measures against dryness). This word also extends to food preservation, such as '乾燥食品' (kansou shokuhin) for dried foods like shiitake mushrooms or seaweed, and household chores, such as '衣類乾燥機' (irui kansouki) for a clothes dryer.

Metaphorical Use
In a more abstract sense, 'kansou' can describe something that lacks flavor, interest, or emotion. A '乾燥した文章' (kansou shita bunshou) refers to a dry or clinical writing style that lacks descriptive flourish or emotional resonance. Similarly, '乾燥した人間関係' (kansou shita ningen kankei) might describe impersonal or 'dry' human relationships that lack warmth.

この地域の気候は一年中乾燥しています。 (The climate in this region is dry all year round.)

In industrial contexts, 'kansou' is a technical term for the removal of moisture from products. Whether it is drying timber for construction or the process of manufacturing pharmaceuticals, the word carries a professional weight that informal words like 'kawaku' do not. It implies a state of being or a deliberate process rather than just a temporary lack of water. Understanding the nuance between the noun 'kansou' and its verb form 'kansou suru' allows speakers to accurately describe both the condition of their environment and the actions they take to manage it.

Using 乾燥 (kansou) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence, or it can modify other nouns using the particle 'no'. As a suru-verb, it describes the action of drying out. One of the most common structures is 'Noun + が + 乾燥する', meaning 'Noun dries out' or 'Noun is dry'. For example, '肌が乾燥する' (hada ga kansou suru) means 'skin gets dry'. This is an intransitive use where the subject is experiencing the state of dryness.

Noun Modification
When modifying another noun, '乾燥' acts as a prefix or uses 'no'. For instance, '乾燥肌' (dry skin) is a compound noun. '乾燥の季節' (the season of dryness) uses the possessive 'no' to link the state to a time of year. This is highly common in formal writing and news reporting.

加湿器を使って、部屋の乾燥を防ぎましょう。 (Let's use a humidifier to prevent the room from drying out.)

When you want to describe the cause of dryness, you might use the particle 'de'. For example, '連日の晴天で空気が乾燥している' (The air is dry due to consecutive sunny days). Here, 'de' indicates the reason. If you are performing the action of drying something, you would use '乾燥させる' (kansou saseru - to cause to dry). This causative form is very common when talking about laundry or industrial processes. For example, '洗濯物を乾燥機で乾燥させる' (Dry the laundry in the dryer).

Common Verb Patterns
1. ~が乾燥している (is currently dry) 2. ~を乾燥させる (to dry something intentionally) 3. ~の乾燥を防ぐ (to prevent the dryness of something)

この植物は乾燥に強いです。 (This plant is resistant to dryness.)

In formal or academic contexts, 'kansou' is used to describe scientific phenomena. Phrases like '乾燥地帯' (kansou chitai - arid zone/desert) or '乾燥重量' (kansou juuryou - dry weight) are standard terms. When writing a report about climate change, you would use 'kansou' to discuss the increasing aridity of certain regions. Conversely, in a culinary context, '乾燥' describes the state of ingredients, like '乾燥わかめ' (dried wakame seaweed), which is a staple in Japanese kitchens. Mastering these patterns allows you to move between casual health concerns and professional environmental discussions seamlessly.

You will encounter 乾燥 (kansou) in several specific environments in Japan. The most frequent is the daily weather forecast. During the winter (December to February), the NHK weather presenters will almost always mention the '乾燥指数' (kansou shisuu - dryness index). They use this to warn viewers about the risk of catching a cold (as viruses thrive in dry air) or the risk of house fires. In train stations, you might see posters from the fire department warning '乾燥する季節、火の用心' (In the dry season, be careful with fire).

Retail and Pharmacies
Walk into any Japanese drugstore like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and you will see '乾燥' everywhere. Signs for lotions and creams will say '乾燥対策' (kansou taisaku - dryness countermeasures) or '乾燥肌用' (for dry skin). Beauty advisors will ask, '乾燥が気になりますか?' (Are you concerned about dryness?). This usage is deeply linked to the Japanese cultural emphasis on skin health and maintenance.

テレビの天気予報で「乾燥注意報」が出ていました。 (A dry weather warning was issued on the TV weather forecast.)

Another place is the laundromat (コインランドリー). You will see buttons labeled '乾燥' (Dry) and '洗濯〜乾燥' (Wash to Dry). In the home, the 'furoba' (bathroom) often has a 'vante-dryer' system called '浴室乾燥機' (yokushitsu kansouki), which is used to dry the bathroom to prevent mold or to hang laundry inside on rainy days. Hearing the beep of the machine and the word 'kansou' becomes a part of daily domestic life.

In the Kitchen
When buying groceries, labels like '乾燥めん' (dried noodles) or '乾燥野菜' (dried vegetables) are ubiquitous. These are essential for long-term storage and are a key part of the Japanese pantry.

この乾燥わかめは、お味噌汁に最適です。 (This dried wakame is perfect for miso soup.)

Finally, in academic or professional settings, 'kansou' is the standard term. A scientist discussing a specimen will talk about its 'kansou joutai' (dried state). A builder will discuss the 'kansou' of concrete or wood. In these contexts, the word conveys precision and technicality. Even in literature, an author might describe a character's 'kansou shita kokoro' (a dried-up heart), using the environmental term to paint a vivid picture of emotional desolation.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 乾燥 (kansou) is confusing it with the simple verb 乾く (kawaku). While both relate to drying, 'kawaku' is an intransitive verb used for everyday things: your clothes getting dry, your throat being parched (nodo ga kawaku), or ink drying. 'Kansou' is more formal and often refers to the atmospheric condition or a systematic process. You wouldn't usually say 'my clothes did kansou' in casual speech; you'd say 'sentakumono ga kawaita'.

Kansou vs. Kawaku
Mistake: 洗濯物が乾燥した (Sentakumono ga kansou shita - sounds like a scientific report). Correction: 洗濯物が乾いた (Sentakumono ga kawaita - natural for daily life).

喉が乾いた (My throat is dry/thirsty) - NEVER use 乾燥 here.

Another mistake is the confusion between 'kansou' and 感想 (kansou). These two words are homophones—they sound exactly the same—but have completely different meanings and kanji. 感想 means 'impressions' or 'thoughts'. If you tell someone 'Kansou wo oshiete kudasai' (Please tell me your thoughts), but you write '乾燥を教えてください', you are asking them to 'teach you about dryness'. Context usually clears this up in speech, but in writing, the kanji choice is vital.

Misuse in Food
Don't use 'kansou' to describe food that is dry in a bad way (like an overcooked steak). Use 'pasapasa' (dry/fibrous) or 'mizuke ga nai' (lacking moisture). 'Kansou' implies a state of being dried, often intentionally or environmentally.

このケーキはパサパサしている。 (This cake is dry/flaky.) - Correct usage for food texture.

Lastly, be careful with the particle usage. While 'kansou suru' is common, if you are the one doing the drying, you must use the causative 'kansou saseru'. If you say 'I dried the fruit' as 'Watashi wa furuutsu wo kansou shita', it sounds slightly off, as if you and the fruit dried together. 'Kansou saseta' is the correct way to express that you performed the action of dehydration. Mastering these subtle distinctions will make your Japanese sound far more natural and precise.

While 乾燥 (kansou) is the most common term for 'dryness', several other words can be used depending on the context. Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the right 'shade' of dry. For example, 乾く (kawaku) is the general-purpose verb for things losing moisture. It is the go-to word for laundry, hands, and throats. It feels more 'active' and 'immediate' than the noun 'kansou'.

Dryness Comparison
  • 乾燥 (Kansou): Formal, technical, atmospheric. Used for weather, skin, food preservation.
  • 乾く (Kawaku): Casual, everyday verb. Used for laundry, ink, throats.
  • 乾かす (Kawakasu): Transitive verb. To dry something (using a hairdryer, etc.).
  • ドライ (Dorai): Katakana word. Used for 'dry' hair types, 'dry' martinis, or a 'dry' (unsentimental) personality.

ドライヤーで髪を乾かす。 (Dry hair with a hairdryer.)

For specific textures, Japanese uses onomatopoeia. カラカラ (karakara) describes something that is bone-dry and perhaps rattling, like a dry throat or a desert. カサカサ (kasakasa) is used for dry, rough skin that makes a rustling sound. If you tell a doctor your skin is 'kasakasa', they will immediately understand the tactile quality of the dryness better than if you just say 'kansou'.

Metaphorical Alternatives
If describing a boring speech, instead of 'kansou shita', you might use '無味乾燥' (mumi-kansou). This is a four-kanji idiom (yojijukugo) that literally means 'no flavor and dry', used to describe something incredibly dull and tedious.

彼の話は無味乾燥で、すぐ飽きてしまった。 (His talk was high and dry/dull, and I got bored quickly.)

In summary, while 'kansou' is your primary tool for discussing dryness in a general or formal sense, branching out into 'kawaku' for actions, 'kasakasa' for skin textures, and 'mumi-kansou' for abstract boredom will significantly enrich your Japanese expression. Each word carries a specific connotation that 'kansou' alone cannot always convey, especially in emotional or sensory contexts.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The second kanji '燥' contains the 'fire' radical (火) on the left and a phonetic component on the right that originally meant 'chirping of birds', which some scholars link to the sound of dry wood crackling in a fire.

Guía de pronunciación

UK kansoː
US kansoʊ
Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'kansou', the pitch usually starts low on 'ka' and rises on 'n-so-u' (Heiban pattern).
Rima con
Dansou (dislocation) Gansou (re-running) Hansou (transport) Jansou (Mahjong parlor) Nansou (south window) Sansou (mountain villa) Tansou (single phase) Yansou (rock layer)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'kan' as 'can' (like a tin can). It should be a deeper 'ah' sound.
  • Shortening the final 'ou' sound. It must be held for two morae.
  • Confusing the pitch with 'kansou' (thoughts), though they are often both Heiban.
  • Misplacing the 'n' sound. It should be a nasal resonance.
  • Mixing up 'kansou' with 'kanso' (simplicity), which has a short 'o'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The kanji are moderately difficult (N3 level), but the word is ubiquitous in daily life.

Escritura 4/5

The kanji '燥' is complex and requires careful practice.

Expresión oral 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but the pitch accent must be correct.

Escucha 3/5

Must be distinguished from 'kansou' (impression) via context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

乾く (kawaku) 水 (mizu) 空気 (kuuki) 冬 (fuyu) 火 (hi)

Aprende después

湿度 (shitsudo) 湿気 (shikke) 加湿器 (kashitsuki) 保湿 (hoshitsu) 砂漠 (sabaku)

Avanzado

枯渇 (kokatsu) 乾涸らびる (hikarabiru) 焦燥 (shousou) 旱魃 (kanbatsu) 無味乾燥 (mumi-kansou)

Gramática que debes saber

Suru-verbs (Noun + する)

空気が乾燥する。

Causative Form (~させる)

洗濯物を乾燥させる。

Compound Nouns (Noun + Noun)

乾燥肌 (Kansou + Hada)

Potential Form (~できる)

この部屋で乾燥できる。

Te-iru Form (State/Action)

空気が乾燥している。

Ejemplos por nivel

1

ここはとても乾燥しています。

It is very dry here.

Uses the te-iru form to show a state.

2

乾燥わかめを買いました。

I bought dried wakame.

Kansou acts as a prefix for food.

3

冬は乾燥します。

It gets dry in winter.

Kansou used as a suru-verb.

4

肌の乾燥が気になります。

I am worried about dry skin.

Kansou used as a noun with the particle 'no'.

5

乾燥機はどこですか?

Where is the dryer?

Kansouki is a compound noun for a dryer.

6

空気が乾燥していますね。

The air is dry, isn't it?

Sentence ending particle 'ne' for agreement.

7

このパンは乾燥している。

This bread is dry.

Kansou used to describe food state.

8

乾燥に注意してください。

Please be careful of dryness.

Ni chuui is a standard warning phrase.

1

部屋が乾燥するので、加湿器をつけます。

The room gets dry, so I will turn on the humidifier.

Uses 'node' to show cause and effect.

2

乾燥した空気は風邪の原因になります。

Dry air causes colds.

Kansou shita (past tense) used to modify 'kuuki'.

3

このクリームは乾燥肌にいいです。

This cream is good for dry skin.

Kansou-hada is a common compound noun.

4

洗濯物を外で乾燥させましょう。

Let's dry the laundry outside.

Causative form 'kansou saseru'.

5

乾燥注意報が出ています。

A dry weather warning has been issued.

Kansou chuuihou is a set meteorological term.

6

ドライフルーツは乾燥させた果物です。

Dried fruit is fruit that has been dried.

Explaining a concept using the causative past.

7

目が乾燥して痛いです。

My eyes are dry and they hurt.

Te-form used to connect two conditions.

8

乾燥を防ぐために、お水を飲みます。

I drink water to prevent dryness.

Tame ni shows purpose.

1

木材を十分に乾燥させてから使います。

The wood is used after it has been sufficiently dried.

Te-kara shows sequence of actions.

2

砂漠は非常に乾燥した地域です。

Deserts are extremely dry regions.

Hijou ni (extremely) modifies the state.

3

この食品は真空乾燥されています。

This food is vacuum-dried.

Passive voice 'sarete iru' for a process.

4

喉の乾燥を防ぐ飴を買いました。

I bought throat lozenges to prevent dryness.

Kansou wo fusegu modifies 'ame'.

5

連日の乾燥で、火災が発生しやすくなっています。

Due to days of dryness, fires are becoming more likely to occur.

-yasuku naru (become easy to...).

6

冬の乾燥対策として、加湿器が欠かせません。

As a measure against winter dryness, a humidifier is essential.

Toshite (as/for) shows the role.

7

髪の毛が乾燥してパサパサになります。

My hair gets dry and frizzy.

Combining 'kansou' with onomatopoeia 'pasapasa'.

8

植物が乾燥に耐えられるように品種改良されました。

The plants were improved to withstand dryness.

Youni (so that) shows the goal.

1

この地域は年間を通じて乾燥した気候が続きます。

In this region, a dry climate continues throughout the year.

Tsuujite (throughout) indicates duration.

2

塗装を長持ちさせるには、下地をしっかり乾燥させることが重要です。

To make the paint last, it is important to dry the base thoroughly.

Koto ga juuyou (it is important that...).

3

彼の文章は無味乾燥で、情緒が感じられない。

His writing is dry and dull, lacking any emotion.

Idiomatic use of 'mumi-kansou'.

4

乾燥による肌トラブルを訴える患者が増えています。

The number of patients complaining of skin problems due to dryness is increasing.

Niyoru (due to) indicates the cause.

5

この実験では、サンプルを摂氏60度で24時間乾燥させます。

In this experiment, the sample is dried at 60 degrees Celsius for 24 hours.

Technical instruction style.

6

干物は太陽の光で乾燥させることで旨味が凝縮されます。

By drying dried fish in the sun, the umami flavor is concentrated.

Koto de (by doing so) shows the method.

7

コンクリートの乾燥収縮により、ひび割れが生じることがあります。

Cracks may occur due to the drying shrinkage of concrete.

Technical compound 'kansou shuushuku'.

8

室内が乾燥しすぎると、インフルエンザのウイルスが活性化します。

If the indoor air is too dry, the influenza virus becomes active.

-sugiru (too much) indicates excess.

1

砂漠化の進行により、周辺地域の乾燥が深刻な問題となっている。

Due to advancing desertification, the aridity of surrounding areas has become a serious problem.

Formal sociological/environmental report style.

2

その学説はあまりにも乾燥しており、学問的な魅力に欠ける。

That theory is far too dry and lacks academic appeal.

Metaphorical use in an intellectual critique.

3

フリーズドライ製法は、低温で乾燥させることで栄養素を保持します。

The freeze-dry method preserves nutrients by drying at low temperatures.

Explaining a complex technical process.

4

都市部におけるヒートアイランド現象が、大気の乾燥を助長している。

The heat island effect in urban areas is exacerbating atmospheric dryness.

Jouchou suru (exacerbate) is a high-level verb.

5

古文書の保存には、適切な湿度管理と乾燥の防止が不可欠である。

Proper humidity management and the prevention of desiccation are essential for preserving ancient documents.

Fukaketsu (essential) is formal vocabulary.

6

感情を排した乾燥した文体こそが、彼の小説の最大の特徴だ。

A dry prose style devoid of emotion is the greatest characteristic of his novels.

Literary analysis using 'kansou shita'.

7

木材の乾燥度合いが、建築物の耐久性に直結する。

The degree of dryness of the timber directly affects the durability of the building.

Chokketsu suru (directly link) is a B2/C1 verb.

8

乾燥した大地に雨が降り注ぎ、生命が再び息吹き始めた。

Rain poured down on the parched earth, and life began to breathe again.

Poetic/narrative usage.

1

過度な乾燥は、文化遺産の材質劣化を招く恐れがある。

Excessive desiccation poses a risk of material degradation of cultural heritage.

Osoru ga aru (there is a fear/risk) in formal contexts.

2

近代合理主義がもたらした人間関係の乾燥は、現代社会の病理の一つと言えるだろう。

The drying up of human relations brought about by modern rationalism can be said to be one of the pathologies of modern society.

High-level sociological critique.

3

半導体製造のクリーンルームでは、極限までの乾燥状態が維持されている。

In semiconductor manufacturing cleanrooms, a state of extreme dryness is maintained.

Kyokugen (extreme limit) used for technical precision.

4

その詩篇における「乾燥」のメタファーは、魂の渇望を象徴している。

The metaphor of 'dryness' in those psalms symbolizes the longing of the soul.

Literary/Philosophical analysis.

5

土壌の乾燥化は、局地的な生態系の崩壊を招くだけでなく、世界的な食糧危機を誘発しかねない。

The aridification of soil not only leads to local ecosystem collapse but could also trigger a global food crisis.

-kaneyai (could possibly happen - negative).

6

乾燥重量を基準とした成分分析により、試料の純度を厳密に測定する。

Through component analysis based on dry weight, the purity of the sample is strictly measured.

Scientific methodology description.

7

無味乾燥な官僚主義的対応が、国民の不信感を増大させている。

The dry and insipid bureaucratic response is increasing public distrust.

Political/Social commentary.

8

超臨界乾燥技術の確立により、ナノ材料の構造維持が可能となった。

The establishment of supercritical drying technology has made it possible to maintain the structure of nanomaterials.

Cutting-edge scientific terminology.

Colocaciones comunes

空気が乾燥する
乾燥肌
乾燥注意報
乾燥を防ぐ
乾燥させる
乾燥食品
乾燥機
乾燥地帯
乾燥対策
乾燥重量

Frases Comunes

乾燥がひどい

— The dryness is severe. Used when the air or skin is extremely dry.

最近、空気の乾燥がひどいですね。

乾燥が気になる

— To be worried about dryness. Common in skincare commercials.

目元の乾燥が気になります。

乾燥に弱い

— To be sensitive or weak to dryness. Used for plants or skin.

この植物は乾燥に弱いです。

乾燥に強い

— To be resistant to dryness. Used for desert plants or materials.

サボテンは乾燥に強い植物だ。

乾燥が進む

— Dryness is progressing/worsening. Used for weather or conditions.

午後からさらに乾燥が進むでしょう。

乾燥しきった

— Completely dried out. Emphasizes a total lack of moisture.

乾燥しきった大地に雨が降った。

乾燥を感じる

— To feel the dryness. Used for skin or the back of the throat.

朝起きると、喉に乾燥を感じる。

乾燥を保つ

— To keep something dry. Used for storage instructions.

湿気を避け、乾燥を保ってください。

乾燥しやすい

— Tends to get dry easily. Used for skin types or seasons.

冬は手が乾燥しやすいです。

乾燥から守る

— To protect from dryness. Common in beauty product slogans.

肌を乾燥から守るバリア機能。

Se confunde a menudo con

乾燥 vs 感想 (Kansou)

Homophone meaning 'impressions' or 'thoughts'. Very common mistake.

乾燥 vs 簡素 (Kanso)

Similar sound but short 'o'. Means 'simple' or 'plain'.

乾燥 vs 完走 (Kansou)

Homophone meaning 'running the whole distance' (in a race).

Modismos y expresiones

"無味乾燥"

— Dull and uninteresting; high and dry. Literally 'no flavor and dry'.

無味乾燥な毎日を過ごしている。

Formal/Literary
"乾燥した人間関係"

— Business-like, cold, or impersonal relationships.

都会の乾燥した人間関係に疲れた。

Metaphorical
"乾燥した心"

— A heart that has lost its warmth, empathy, or passion.

彼の乾燥した心に響く言葉はなかった。

Poetic
"乾燥した空気感"

— A tense, clinical, or unemotional atmosphere in a room.

会議室には乾燥した空気感が漂っていた。

Metaphorical
"喉を乾燥させる"

— To allow one's throat to get dry, often implying neglecting health.

喉を乾燥させないように注意してください。

Neutral
"乾燥の極み"

— The height of dryness; extremely parched.

砂漠の真ん中は乾燥の極みだ。

Literary
"乾燥した笑い"

— A dry, cynical, or humorless laugh.

彼は乾燥した笑いを浮かべた。

Literary
"乾燥した目"

— Eyes that lack emotion or are literally suffering from dry eye syndrome.

乾燥した目でパソコンを見つめる。

Neutral/Metaphorical
"乾燥の季節"

— The dry season, usually referring to winter in Japan.

乾燥の季節がやってきた。

Neutral
"乾燥しきった議論"

— A discussion that is purely logical but lacks human element or creativity.

その会議は乾燥しきった議論に終始した。

Formal

Fácil de confundir

乾燥 vs 乾く (Kawaku)

Both mean 'to dry'.

Kawaku is a general verb for daily objects. Kansou is a more formal noun/verb for environment and processes.

喉が乾いた (Natural) vs 喉が乾燥した (Unnatural/Too clinical)

乾燥 vs 渇く (Kawaku)

Same pronunciation as 乾く.

Specifically used for thirst or spiritual longing. Kansou is never used for thirst.

愛に渇く (Thirst for love)

乾燥 vs 干す (Hosu)

Related to drying things.

Hosu is the action of hanging something out to dry. Kansou is the state or the scientific process.

布団を干す (Hang out futon) vs 布団を乾燥機に入れる (Put futon in dryer)

乾燥 vs 湿気 (Shikke)

Opposite concept.

Shikke is humidity. Kansou is the lack thereof.

湿気が多い (Humid) vs 乾燥している (Dry)

乾燥 vs パサパサ (Pasapasa)

Both describe dryness.

Pasapasa is an onomatopoeia for dry food or hair texture. Kansou is the general condition.

パンがパサパサだ (The bread is dry/stale)

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Place] は [Condition] です。

ここは乾燥しています。

A2

[Season] は [Noun] が乾燥します。

冬は空気が乾燥します。

B1

[Noun] を [Verb-Causative]。

椎茸を乾燥させる。

B1

[Noun] の乾燥を防ぐために [Action]。

肌の乾燥を防ぐためにクリームを塗る。

B2

[Noun] による [Condition] が深刻だ。

乾燥による火災が深刻だ。

C1

[Abstract Noun] は無味乾燥だ。

彼の人生は無味乾燥だ。

C2

[Technical Term] は乾燥重量で測定される。

試料は乾燥重量で測定される。

C2

[Phenomenon] が乾燥を助長する。

温暖化が乾燥を助長する。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

乾燥機 (Dryer)
乾燥肌 (Dry skin)
乾燥剤 (Desiccant/Silica gel)
乾燥地 (Arid land)
乾燥室 (Drying room)

Verbos

乾燥する (To dry/become dry)
乾燥させる (To dry something/causative)

Adjetivos

乾燥した (Dried/Dry - past participle used as adjective)

Relacionado

乾く (To get dry)
乾かす (To dry something)
湿気 (Humidity)
加湿 (Humidification)
除湿 (Dehumidification)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in winter, high in skincare/laundry contexts.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'kansou' for thirst. 喉が渇いた (Nodo ga kawaita).

    'Kansou' is for atmospheric or material states, not biological thirst.

  • Confusing 乾燥 (dryness) with 感想 (thoughts). Use context and kanji to distinguish them.

    They sound identical but the kanji are completely different. '感想' uses the heart radical.

  • Saying 'Sentakumono wo kansou shita' for drying laundry. 洗濯物を乾燥させた (Sentakumono wo kansou saseta).

    You must use the causative form 'saseru' when you are the one doing the drying.

  • Using 'kansou' for overcooked, dry food. パサパサしている (Pasapasa shiteiru).

    'Kansou' implies a state or a deliberate process; 'pasapasa' describes an unpleasant texture.

  • Writing 'kanso' instead of 'kansou'. 乾燥 (kansou).

    The 'u' at the end is vital for both spelling and pronunciation; 'kanso' (簡素) means simple.

Consejos

Kanji Recognition

Notice that both kanji in 乾燥 have radicals related to the process. 乾 has a radical often related to the sun/light, and 燥 has the fire radical. Both evoke heat and the removal of water.

Fire Awareness

In Japan, 'kansou' is synonymous with fire risk. When you hear the word on the news, it's often a reminder to check your stove and heaters.

Natural Phrasing

Instead of just saying 'It's dry,' Japanese people often say 'Kansou ga hidoi' (The dryness is terrible) to express discomfort.

Transitive vs Intransitive

Remember that 'kansou suru' is usually intransitive (something dries), while 'kansou saseru' is transitive (someone dries something).

Skincare Terms

If you go to a Japanese drugstore, look for '保湿' (hoshitsu - moisturizing) next to '乾燥' (kansou). They are the problem and the solution.

Homophone Context

If someone asks for your 'kansou' after a movie, they mean your 'thoughts' (感想), not how dry you feel!

Laundry Machines

The button for the dryer on a Japanese washing machine is almost always just the two kanji '乾燥'.

Idiom Usage

Use 'mumi-kansou' (無味乾燥) to describe a boring textbook or a clinical report to sound more like a native speaker.

Virus Prevention

Japanese health advice often links 'kansou' with the flu. Keeping the air moist is considered a medical necessity in winter.

The 'SO' Sound

Associate 'SOU' with 'SO dry'. KAN-SOU = Can be SO dry.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'CAN' of 'SO'up that is totally 'KANSOU' (dry) because you left it on the stove too long. The 'kan' is the can, and 'sou' is the soup that dried up.

Asociación visual

Imagine a cracked desert floor with the kanji 乾燥 written in the cracks. The fire radical in 燥 reminds you of the heat that caused the dryness.

Word Web

Weather Skin Fire Food Dryer Desert Humidifier Laundry

Desafío

Try to find three items in your kitchen that are 'kansou shokuhin' (dried foods) and label them in Japanese.

Origen de la palabra

Borrowed from Middle Chinese. The word entered the Japanese language as part of the massive influx of Sino-Japanese vocabulary (Kango) during the first millennium.

Significado original: To parched or dry up by heat or air.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'kansou' to describe a person's personality or writing; it is generally a negative critique implying a lack of warmth or creativity.

English speakers might use 'dry' for everything, but Japanese speakers distinguish 'kansou' (atmospheric/state) from 'kawaku' (action/process).

NHK Weather Forecast (Kansou Chuuihou) Kose Skincare Ads (Kansou-hada Taisaku) Traditional 'Hi no Youjin' patrols

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Drugstore

  • 乾燥肌用のクリームはありますか?
  • 冬の乾燥がひどいです。
  • 保湿で乾燥を防ぎたいです。
  • 乾燥によるかゆみがあります。

Watching the News

  • 乾燥注意報が出ています。
  • 火の元に注意してください。
  • 明日の乾燥指数は高いです。
  • 空気が非常に乾燥しています。

Doing Laundry

  • 乾燥機を使ってもいいですか?
  • この服は乾燥機にかけられません。
  • 洗濯〜乾燥コースを選びます。
  • 乾燥が終わるまで30分かかります。

Cooking

  • 乾燥わかめを水で戻します。
  • 乾燥食品は保存に便利です。
  • 野菜を乾燥させて保存します。
  • 乾燥めんを茹でます。

Health and Beauty

  • 喉の乾燥を防ぐためにマスクをします。
  • 目が乾燥するので目薬をさします。
  • 加湿器で部屋の乾燥を抑えます。
  • 髪の乾燥が気になります。

Inicios de conversación

"最近、空気がすごく乾燥していませんか? (Hasn't the air been really dry lately?)"

"冬の乾燥対策、何かされていますか? (Are you doing anything as a measure against winter dryness?)"

"乾燥肌で困っているんですが、おすすめのクリームはありますか? (I'm struggling with dry skin; do you have any recommended creams?)"

"そちらの地域は、冬は乾燥しますか? (Is it dry in your region during the winter?)"

"乾燥機って、電気代が高くなりますよね? (Dryers make the electricity bill high, don't they?)"

Temas para diario

今日の乾燥具合について書いてください。肌や喉の調子はどうですか? (Write about today's dryness level. How is your skin or throat?)

あなたが使っている乾燥対策グッズ(加湿器など)を紹介してください。 (Introduce the dryness prevention goods you use, such as a humidifier.)

「無味乾燥」な一日を過ごしたことがありますか?その時のことを書いてください。 (Have you ever had a 'dry and dull' day? Write about that time.)

乾燥食品(ドライフルーツなど)で好きなものは何ですか?その理由も。 (What dried foods do you like? Also, the reason.)

乾燥注意報が出ている時、火の用心のために何をしますか? (What do you do for fire safety when a dry weather warning is issued?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, while it is very common in weather reports, it is also used for skin (kansou-hada), food (kansou shokuhin), laundry (kansouki), and even metaphorical situations like 'dry' personalities.

No. To say you are thirsty, you must use 'nodo ga kawaita' (喉が渇いた). Using 'kansou' would sound like your throat is a piece of wood in a laboratory.

It is a 'dry weather warning' issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency when the humidity is so low that the risk of fire and health issues increases significantly.

You say '乾燥肌' (kansou-hada). You might also hear 'kasa-kasa no hada' in more casual or descriptive contexts.

It is both. It is a noun (dryness) and a suru-verb (kansou suru - to dry). You can also use the causative form 'kansou saseru' (to dry something).

'Kansou' is more formal and technical, often referring to the air or a systematic process. 'Kawaku' is an everyday verb for things like clothes or ink getting dry.

The second kanji 燥 has the fire radical (火) on the left. Fire dries things out, which helps you remember it relates to dryness.

Yes, specifically for dried ingredients like 'kansou wakame' (dried seaweed) or 'kansou shiitake'. However, to describe food that is dry in a bad way (like dry cake), use 'pasapasa'.

Yes, it can describe a 'dry' (uninteresting) person or writing style, often using the idiom 'mumi-kansou' (tasteless and dry).

It is primarily in the winter, from December to February, especially on the Pacific Ocean side of the country where the air is very dry.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write 'The air is dry' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'I have dry skin' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Use a humidifier to prevent dryness' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Please dry the laundry in the dryer' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'His lecture was dry and uninteresting' using an idiom.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Dryness' in Kanji.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Dried fruit' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'A dry weather warning is out' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'This plant is strong against dryness' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Measure the dry weight of the sample' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'It's dry, isn't it?' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Dry skin cream' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'In winter, the air gets dry' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Measures against dryness' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'The progression of desertification' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Dryness' in Hiragana.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Dried seaweed' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Protect your skin from dryness' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'Dry climate' in Japanese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write 'A dry heart' metaphorically.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'It is dry.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I have dry skin.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The air is dry today.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I'll use the dryer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The dryness is severe.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Dryness.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Dryer.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Dry weather warning.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Measures against dryness.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Dry weight.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'My eyes are dry.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Dried food.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I'll dry the fish.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Arid region.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Dry writing style.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Be careful of dryness.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The air gets dry.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Preventing dryness.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Strong against dryness.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Dull and dry.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥 (kansou)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥機 (kansouki)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥注意報 (kansou chuuihou)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥肌 (kansou-hada)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 無味乾燥 (mumi-kansou)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥する (kansou suru)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥食品 (kansou shokuhin)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥させる (kansou saseru)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥対策 (kansou taisaku)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥地帯 (kansou chitai)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥わかめ (kansou wakame)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 目が乾燥する (me ga kansou suru)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥を防ぐ (kansou wo fusegu)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥指数 (kansou shisuu)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify: 乾燥重量 (kansou juuryou)

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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