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乾燥した

B1 adjective #3,000 most common 9 min read

乾燥した

kansou shita Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 乾燥した in 30 Seconds

Explanation 乾燥した in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'Kansou shita' very often because it is a bit formal. Instead, you will learn the simple verb 'kawaku' (to dry). However, you might see 'Kansou' on signs in Japan, especially in winter. Think of it as a label for 'Dry.' You might hear a teacher say 'Kansou shite iru' when talking about the weather. At this level, just remember that 'Kansou' = 'Dry.' You can use it to describe the weather or why you need to drink water. It is a 'Noun + shita' pattern, which is a common way to make adjectives in Japanese. Don't worry about the kanji (乾燥) yet, just recognize the sound 'Kansou.' It is very useful when you go to a store to buy 'dry' food like crackers or dried fruit. If you see this word, it means there is no water. In winter, this word is everywhere in Japan because the air gets very dry and people get sick. So, 'Kansou shita' is a 'warning' word for beginners.

At the A2 level, you should begin to distinguish between 'Kawaita' (everyday dry) and 'Kansou shita' (formal/state dry). You will use 'Kansou shita' when talking about the weather ('Kansou shita kuuki') or your health ('Hada ga kansou shita'). You are learning that some Japanese nouns can become adjectives by adding 'shita.' This is a key grammar point. You will also start to see the kanji '乾燥.' The first kanji '乾' means 'dry' and the second '燥' means 'parched.' At this level, you can use it in basic 'Reason' sentences: 'Kansou shita node, kuriimu o nurimasu' (Because it's dry, I'll apply cream). You will also notice it in the supermarket on labels for 'Kansou-men' (dried noodles). Understanding this word helps you navigate daily life in Japan during the dry winter months. You should also be able to recognize it in simple weather reports on the radio or TV where they mention 'Kansou chuuihou' (dryness warning).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'Kansou shita' correctly in various contexts, especially in professional or clinical settings. You should understand that 'Kansou shita' is the perfective form used attributively. For example, 'Kansou shita chiiki' (an arid region) or 'Kansou shita shiryou' (a dried sample). You should also be aware of the nuance that 'Kansou' implies a lack of humidity that might be problematic. You will start using it to describe skin conditions more accurately, perhaps in a conversation with a pharmacist. You'll also learn the 'suru' verb form 'Kansou suru' and how to conjugate it. At this stage, you should also be able to distinguish it from the homophone 'Kansou' (感想 - impression). You might encounter the word in news articles about forest fires or environmental issues. B1 learners should also start using the word in writing, particularly when describing the climate of a place or the state of materials in a hobby like woodworking or cooking.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'Kansou shita.' You can use it metaphorically or in more complex grammatical structures. You understand that 'Kansou shita' can describe a state that resulted from a specific process. For example, in a business meeting, you might discuss 'Kansou shita yasai' (dehydrated vegetables) as a product category. You are also familiar with related terms like 'Kansou-ki' (a clothes dryer) or 'Kansou-zai' (a desiccant/silica gel packet). You can explain the difference between 'Kansou' and 'Shikke' (humidity) fluently. You might also encounter the word in literary contexts to describe a 'dry' (unemotional) tone, though this is moving towards C1. Your ability to use 'Kansou shita' should be natural enough that you don't use it for small things like a single wet spot on a table (where 'kawaita' is better). You understand the cultural significance of 'Kansou' in Japan, such as its link to the spread of influenza and the importance of 'Kashitsuki' (humidifiers).

At the C1 level, you use 'Kansou shita' with precision and can appreciate its use in academic and literary Japanese. You are familiar with the yojijukugo '無味乾燥' (mumi-kansou) and can use it to critique a piece of writing or a boring speech. You understand the scientific applications of the word, such as in chemistry or geography (e.g., 'Kansou-tai' - arid zone). You can discuss the socioeconomic impacts of 'Kansou' (droughts or dry spells) on agriculture. Your vocabulary includes derivatives and compound words like 'Kansou-shou' (Xeroderma/dry skin condition). In literature, you recognize when an author uses 'kansou' to create a specific atmosphere of desolation or sterile modernism. You can also handle the passive and causative forms of 'Kansou suru' if they appear in technical manuals. At this level, you are also aware of the historical etymology of the kanji and how they have been used in classical texts to describe parched landscapes.

At the C2 level, 'Kansou shita' is a tool for subtle expression. You can use it to discuss complex environmental policies regarding desertification ('Sa-baku-ka') and the 'Kansou' of soil. You are fully comfortable with its metaphorical use in describing academic prose that lacks 'shinsetsu' (kindness/accessibility) or 'uruoi' (moisture/richness). You can navigate high-level medical discussions about 'Kansou' in various organs or tissues. You understand the nuances between 'Kansou shita' and other synonyms like 'Hina-bita' (rustic/dried out) or 'Kare-ta' (withered). Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, knowing exactly when the formal 'Kansou' provides the right level of professional distance versus when a more evocative, native-Japanese word is needed. You can also analyze how the concept of 'Kansou' is treated in Japanese aesthetics, perhaps contrasting the 'dry' beauty of a Zen rock garden with the 'moist' lushness of a moss garden.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

乾燥した in 30 Seconds

Used to describe a lack of moisture in air, skin, or food.
More formal and technical than the everyday word 'kawaita'.
Essential for discussing Japanese winter weather and fire safety.
Commonly found in skincare labels and weather reports.

The Japanese term 乾燥した (Kansou shita) is a versatile expression used to describe a state where moisture or water has been removed or is naturally absent. While often translated simply as 'dry,' its usage spans across meteorological, biological, and even metaphorical domains. In its most literal sense, it refers to the physical state of the air, objects, or skin. For instance, during the Japanese winter, the air becomes notoriously kansou shita, leading to health warnings and a heightened awareness of fire safety. This specific form, ending in した (shita), is the past-tense or perfective form of the verb 乾燥する (kansou suru), functioning here as an attributive adjective to describe a noun that has already reached a state of dryness.

Meteorological Context: In weather reports, you will frequently hear '乾燥した空気' (kansou shita kuuki - dry air). This is particularly common in the 'Kanto' region during winter when the 'Karakkaze' (dry wind) blows from the mountains, stripping the humidity from the plains. It implies a state that requires action, such as using a humidifier or being careful with open flames.
Dermatological Context: For English speakers learning Japanese, this word is essential for skincare. '乾燥した肌' (kansou shita hada) refers to dry skin. Unlike the more casual word 'kawaita,' 'kansou' carries a slightly more technical or formal nuance, making it the standard term in beauty advertisements, medical contexts, and product labeling for lotions and creams.
Industrial and Food Context: When referring to processed items like 'dried fruit' (乾燥した果物) or 'dehydrated vegetables,' this term is the go-to. It indicates a deliberate process of removing water for preservation. In construction, it might refer to 'dried wood' (乾燥した木材), which is essential for structural stability.

冬は乾燥した日が続くので、火の用心が大切です。
(Fuyu wa kansou shita hi ga tsuzuku node, hi no youjin ga taisetsu desu.)
Since dry days continue in winter, it is important to be careful with fire.

乾燥した肌にこのクリームを塗ってください。
(Kansou shita hada ni kono kuriimu o nutte kudasai.)
Please apply this cream to your dry skin.

Culturally, the concept of 'dryness' in Japan is linked to the changing seasons. The transition from the 'Tsuyu' (rainy season) to the 'Kansou-ki' (dry season) marks a significant shift in lifestyle, from fighting mold to fighting dehydration. Understanding 'kansou shita' is not just about vocabulary; it's about understanding the seasonal rhythm of Japanese life. In literature, a 'dry' (無味乾燥 - mumi kansou) style refers to writing that is dull or lacking flavor, showing how the physical state of dryness can describe emotional or intellectual lack.

この地域は乾燥した砂漠地帯です。
(Kono chiiki wa kansou shita sabaku chitai desu.)
This area is a dry desert region.

乾燥した薪はよく燃えます。
(Kansou shita maki wa yoku moemasu.)
Dry firewood burns well.

洗濯物が乾燥したかどうか確認してください。
(Sentakumono ga kansou shita ka dou ka kakunin shite kudasai.)
Please check if the laundry has dried.

Using 乾燥した (Kansou shita) correctly requires understanding its role as a modifier. Because it is derived from a verb, it functions similarly to a relative clause in English (e.g., 'the air that has dried'). However, in Japanese, it is placed directly before the noun it modifies. Let's break down its application across different levels of formality and context.

Modifying Nouns Directly: The most common pattern is [乾燥した + Noun]. This is used to describe an inherent or current state of an object. For example, '乾燥した空気' (dry air), '乾燥した草' (dry grass), or '乾燥したパン' (dried/stale bread). This structure is neutral and can be used in both speech and writing.
As a Predicate (The Result of a Process): When you want to say something 'has dried,' you use it at the end of the sentence: '空気が乾燥した' (The air became dry). If you want to describe a continuous state of being dry, you would more likely use '乾燥している' (kansou shite iru). 'Kansou shita' emphasizes the completion of the drying process.

乾燥した空気はウイルスが広がりやすいです。
(Kansou shita kuuki wa uirusu ga hirogari yasui desu.)
Viruses spread easily in dry air.

In professional settings, such as a doctor's office or a laboratory, 'kansou shita' is used to define parameters. A scientist might refer to a '乾燥した試料' (kansou shita shiryou - dried sample). In these cases, the word implies a controlled removal of moisture. Conversely, in everyday conversation, if you leave a piece of cake out and it gets hard, you might say it has 'kansou shite shimatta' (it unfortunately dried out), using the 'shimatta' auxiliary to show regret.

喉が乾燥したので、水を飲みました。
(Nodo ga kansou shita node, mizu o nomimashita.)
My throat got dry, so I drank some water.

When describing people, 'kansou shita' is rarely used for personality (use 'tsumetai' or 'dry' in katakana for that). However, it is used for physical attributes. '乾燥した髪' (dry hair) is a common complaint in hair salon consultations. Here, the focus is on the lack of oil and moisture in the hair strands.

この乾燥した季節には、加湿器が欠かせません。
(Kono kansou shita kisetsu ni wa, kashitsuki ga kakasemasen.)
In this dry season, a humidifier is indispensable.

You will encounter 乾燥した (Kansou shita) in several specific environments in Japan. Knowing these will help you recognize the word in context and understand the urgency or nuance behind it.

Weather Forecasts (Tenki Yohou): The most common place is the daily news. Forecasters will warn of '乾燥した空気' (dry air) and issue 'Kansou Chuuihou' (Dryness Advisories). When you hear this, it's a cue to use moisturizer and be careful with cigarettes or stove heaters.
Skincare and Cosmetics Aisles: Drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi are filled with products for '乾燥した肌' (dry skin). Look for labels that mention '乾燥対策' (kansou taisaku - dryness prevention). Salesclerks will ask if your skin feels 'kansou shite imasu ka?' (is it dry?).
Cooking and Food Packaging: In the supermarket, '乾燥した椎茸' (kansou shita shiitake - dried shiitake mushrooms) or '乾燥わかめ' (kansou wakame) are staples. These are dehydrated foods that need to be reconstituted in water.

テレビで「乾燥した状態が続く」と言っていました。
(Terebi de 'Kansou shita joutai ga tsuzuku' to itte imashita.)
They said on TV that 'the dry state will continue.'

In Japanese schools and offices, during the winter months, you might see signs or hear announcements about the 'kansou' levels. Because Japan is an island nation with high humidity in summer, the sudden drop to 'kansou shita' air in winter is a major health topic. It is believed that 'kansou shita' throats are more susceptible to colds and the flu, so you'll hear people reminding each other to 'gargle' (ugai) because the air is so dry.

このドライヤーは、乾燥した髪を傷めません。
(Kono doraiyaa wa, kansou shita kami o itamemasen.)
This hair dryer does not damage dry hair.

While 乾燥した (Kansou shita) is relatively straightforward, English speakers often make mistakes by overusing it or confusing it with similar-sounding concepts. Here are the pitfalls to avoid.

Confusing 'Kansou' with 'Kawaku': This is the most common error. 'Kansou' is a formal, often scientific term. 'Kawaku' (乾く) is the everyday verb. If you spill water and it dries up, use 'kawaita'. If you are talking about the global climate or a clinical skin condition, use 'kansou shita'. Using 'kansou shita' for a wet towel sounds unnaturally robotic.
Mistaking 'Kansou' for 'Kansou' (Impressions): Japanese has many homophones. '乾燥' (Kansou - Dry) is pronounced exactly the same as '感想' (Kansou - Impression/Opinion). If someone asks for your 'kansou,' they are likely asking for your feedback on a movie, not how dry the air is! Context is key.
Incorrect Adjective Form: Learners often try to say 'kansou na' because it feels like a na-adjective. While some dictionaries list it as such, in modern spoken Japanese, 'kansou shita' (past/perfective) or 'kansou shite iru' (continuous state) are much more natural for describing things.

❌ 乾燥な空気 (Kansou na kuuki)
✅ 乾燥した空気 (Kansou shita kuuki)
Dry air.

Another mistake is using 'kansou shita' to mean 'thirsty.' In English, we say 'I'm dry' to mean we want a drink. In Japanese, you must say 'Nodo ga kawaita' (My throat has dried). Saying 'Watashi wa kansou shita' sounds like you have physically turned into a mummy or your skin is extremely flaky!

❌ このタオルは乾燥した。(Kono taoru wa kansou shita.) - Sounds like a lab report.
✅ このタオルは乾いた。(Kono taoru wa kawaita.) - Natural everyday speech.
This towel is dry.

To truly master Japanese, you need to know the alternatives to 乾燥した (Kansou shita). Depending on what is dry and why, a different word might be more appropriate.

乾いた (Kawaita): The most common alternative. It is the past tense of 'kawaku' (to dry). Use this for laundry, dishes, or a throat. It is less formal than 'kansou shita'.
カラカラ (Karakara): An onomatopoeic word (gitaigo) describing something bone-dry. 'Nodo ga karakara' means 'I'm parched/extremely thirsty.' It can also describe the sound of something dry rattling.
ドライ (Dorai): The English loanword. Used for 'dry cleaning,' 'dry beer,' or a 'dry personality' (business-like and unemotional). You wouldn't use this for the weather.
無味乾燥 (Mumi-kansou): A four-kanji idiom (yojijukugo) meaning 'dry and tasteless.' It describes something extremely boring, like a dull lecture or a tedious book.

砂漠の空気はカラカラに乾いています。
(Sabaku no kuuki wa karakara ni kawaite imasu.)
The desert air is bone-dry.

When choosing between these, consider the 'texture' of the dryness. 'Kansou shita' is a state of being, 'Kawaita' is the result of a process, 'Karakara' is the extreme feeling of it, and 'Dorai' is the modern/social application. In a professional report about agriculture, you would exclusively use 'kansou shita' to describe soil conditions.

彼の話は無味乾燥で、みんな居眠りをしてしまった。
(Kare no hanashi wa mumi-kansou de, minna inemuri o shite shimatta.)
His talk was so dry and boring that everyone fell asleep.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '乾' also represents 'Heaven' in the I Ching (the Eight Trigrams), representing the most 'Yang' or dry/active element.

Pronunciation Guide

UK kansoː ɕita

US kansoʊ ʃitɑ

Pitch accent is usually on 'kan' (High-Low-Low).

Rhymes With

Sansou (Mountain air) Dansou (Dislocation) Gansou (Gargle) Bansou (Accompaniment) Hanzou (A name) Manzou (A name) Ransou (Ovary) Tensou (Transfer)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shita' as 'sheeta' (keep it short).
Forgetting the long 'o' in 'sou'.
Confusing the pitch with 'kansou' (impression).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are slightly complex but very common in daily life.

Writing 4/5

The second kanji (燥) is difficult to write from memory.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but watch the long vowel.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'Kansou' (impression) via context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

乾く (Kawaku) 空気 (Kuuki) 肌 (Hada) 冬 (Fuyu) 水 (Mizu)

Learn Next

湿度 (Shitsudo) 保湿 (Hoshitsu) 注意報 (Chuuihou) 加湿器 (Kashitsuki) 無味乾燥 (Mumi-kansou)

Advanced

砂漠化 (Sabakuka) 乾固 (Kanko) 脱水 (Dassui) 枯渇 (Kokatsu)

Grammar to Know

Noun + した as Adjective

結婚した二人 (The married couple), 乾燥した肌 (The dried skin).

Suru-verb Perfective Modifying Nouns

成功した計画 (The successful plan).

Describing States with 〜している

部屋が乾燥している (The room is dry - current state).

Reason with 〜ので

乾燥したので、水を飲みます。

Compound Nouns with 乾燥

乾燥肌、乾燥機、乾燥剤。

Examples by Level

今日は空気が乾燥した。

Today the air became dry.

Simple Subject + Ga + Verb (past state).

乾燥したパンを食べました。

I ate dry bread.

Adjectival use modifying 'pan'.

冬は乾燥した季節です。

Winter is a dry season.

Modifying the noun 'kisetsu' (season).

肌が少し乾燥した。

My skin got a little dry.

Describing a physical change.

乾燥した果物は甘いです。

Dried fruit is sweet.

Referring to a category of food.

手が乾燥したから、クリームを塗る。

Because my hands got dry, I apply cream.

Using 'kara' for reason.

乾燥した場所が好きです。

I like dry places.

Modifying 'basho' (place).

ここは乾燥した部屋ですね。

This is a dry room, isn't it?

Sentence ending with 'ne' for agreement.

乾燥した風が吹いています。

A dry wind is blowing.

Describing weather conditions.

乾燥した椎茸を水に入れました。

I put the dried shiitake mushrooms in water.

Describing the state of an ingredient.

喉が乾燥したので、お茶を飲みます。

My throat got dry, so I will drink tea.

Using 'node' for a polite reason.

乾燥した肌には保湿が必要です。

Moisturizing is necessary for dry skin.

Topic marker 'ni wa' indicating 'for'.

洗濯物が早く乾燥した。

The laundry dried quickly.

Using 'hayaku' (quickly) as an adverb.

乾燥した木を使って火をつけます。

I will light a fire using dry wood.

Using 'tsukatte' (using) to show means.

この地域は一年中乾燥した気候です。

This region has a dry climate all year round.

Describing 'kikou' (climate).

乾燥したパスタを茹でてください。

Please boil the dry pasta.

Imperative form 'te kudasai'.

乾燥した空気が喉を痛める原因になります。

Dry air becomes the cause of throat pain.

Identifying a cause 'gen-in'.

乾燥した地面に雨が降りました。

Rain fell on the parched ground.

Describing a natural event.

この薬は乾燥した肌を保護します。

This medicine protects dry skin.

Describing the function of an object.

乾燥した花を飾って、部屋をきれいにしました。

I decorated with dried flowers and made the room pretty.

Referring to 'dried flowers' as an ornament.

長時間、乾燥した環境にいると疲れます。

Being in a dry environment for a long time makes you tired.

Conditional 'to' indicating a natural result.

乾燥した大豆から豆腐を作ります。

Tofu is made from dried soybeans.

Indicating the source material with 'kara'.

この服は乾燥した状態で保管してください。

Please store this garment in a dry state.

Using 'joutai' (state).

冬の乾燥した朝は、空がとてもきれいです。

On dry winter mornings, the sky is very beautiful.

Setting a time and condition.

乾燥した条件の下で、実験が行われました。

The experiment was conducted under dry conditions.

Formal 'no moto de' (under).

乾燥した土壌では、特定の植物しか育ちません。

Only specific plants grow in dry soil.

Limitation using 'shika... nai'.

この地域は、かつては湿っていましたが、今は乾燥した土地です。

This area used to be damp, but now it is dry land.

Contrast using 'katsute wa' (formerly).

乾燥した空気は、静電気が発生しやすくなります。

Dry air makes it easier for static electricity to occur.

Describing a physical phenomenon.

乾燥したサンプルを顕微鏡で観察します。

Observe the dried sample under a microscope.

Technical instruction.

乾燥した季節になると、火災のニュースが増えます。

When the dry season comes, news of fires increases.

Using 'naru to' (when it becomes).

この製品は、乾燥した髪に潤いを与えます。

This product gives moisture to dry hair.

Marketing language: 'uruoi o ataeru'.

乾燥した気候に適応した動物たちが住んでいます。

Animals adapted to a dry climate live here.

Relative clause: 'tekio shita' (adapted).

無味乾燥した理論よりも、実践が重要だ。

Practice is more important than dry, tasteless theory.

Metaphorical use of 'kansou shita'.

乾燥した空気が、バイオリンの木材に悪影響を及ぼす。

The dry air has a negative effect on the violin's wood.

Formal 'akueikyou o oyobosu'.

砂漠化が進み、乾燥した地域が拡大している。

Desertification is progressing, and dry regions are expanding.

Discussing environmental trends.

乾燥した状態を維持するために、除湿剤を使用する。

Use a desiccant to maintain a dry state.

Formal 'iji suru tame ni' (in order to maintain).

乾燥した文体は、客観的な事実を伝えるのに適している。

A dry writing style is suitable for conveying objective facts.

Abstract usage: 'buntai' (writing style).

皮膚の乾燥した部分には、この軟膏が効果的です。

This ointment is effective for the dry parts of the skin.

Clinical description.

乾燥した空気の中で、音の伝わり方が変化する。

The way sound travels changes in dry air.

Scientific observation.

乾燥した牧草は、冬の間の貴重な飼料となります。

Dried hay becomes valuable fodder during the winter.

Agricultural context.

彼の著作は、一見すると無味乾燥した法律用語の羅列に見える。

At first glance, his work seems like a mere list of dry legal terms.

Advanced phrasing 'raretsu' (enumeration).

乾燥した大気が星の観測に最適な条件を作り出す。

The dry atmosphere creates the optimal conditions for star observation.

Discussing astronomy.

極度に乾燥した環境下では、微生物の活動も制限される。

Under extremely dry environments, even microbial activity is restricted.

Scientific 'kankyoka' (under the environment).

その詩人は、乾燥した風景の中に孤独を見出した。

The poet found solitude within the parched landscape.

Literary interpretation.

乾燥した木材の収縮率を計算し、設計に反映させる。

Calculate the shrinkage rate of dried wood and reflect it in the design.

Engineering terminology.

乾燥した季節特有の、肌のバリア機能の低下を防ぐ。

Prevent the decline of the skin's barrier function characteristic of the dry season.

Dermatological 'baria kinou'.

乾燥した気団が日本列島を覆い、晴天が続いている。

A dry air mass is covering the Japanese archipelago, and clear weather continues.

Meteorological 'kidan' (air mass).

乾燥した沈黙が、二人の間に流れた。

A dry silence flowed between the two of them.

Figurative 'kansou shita chinmoku'.

Common Collocations

乾燥した空気

乾燥した肌

乾燥した果物

乾燥した季節

乾燥した土地

乾燥した薪

乾燥した状態

乾燥した風

乾燥した髪

乾燥した椎茸

Common Phrases

乾燥注意報

— A formal weather advisory warning citizens of low humidity and fire risk.

乾燥注意報が出ているので、火に気をつけてください。

乾燥対策

— Steps or products used to combat dryness, especially for skin or home air.

冬の乾燥対策として加湿器を買った。

乾燥肌

— A noun meaning 'dry skin' as a skin type.

私は乾燥肌なので、保湿が欠かせない。

乾燥機

— A drying machine, usually for clothes or dishes.

雨の日は乾燥機を使います。

乾燥剤

— A desiccant, like the silica gel packets found in food or shoeboxes.

お菓子の中に乾燥剤が入っている。

乾燥野菜

— Dehydrated vegetables.

スープに乾燥野菜を入れる。

乾燥重量

— Dry weight (weight excluding water content).

この物質の乾燥重量を量る。

乾燥工程

— The drying process in manufacturing.

塗装の後は乾燥工程に入る。

乾燥室

— A drying room (found in some apartments or factories).

乾燥室で洗濯物を乾かす。

乾燥地域

— An arid region or dry zone.

世界には広い乾燥地域がある。

Often Confused With

乾燥した vs 感想 (Kansou)

Same pronunciation, but means 'impressions' or 'thoughts'.

乾燥した vs 乾いた (Kawaita)

Used for everyday items like laundry; 'kansou' is more formal/scientific.

乾燥した vs 干した (Hoshita)

Means 'hung out to dry' (deliberate action).

Idioms & Expressions

"無味乾燥"

— Completely boring, dull, or lacking any interesting qualities. Literally 'no taste, dry.'

彼の話は無味乾燥で、面白くない。

Literary

"乾燥しきった"

— To be completely and utterly dried out.

乾燥しきった大地に雨が降る。

Emphatic

"喉がカラカラに乾燥する"

— To have an extremely parched throat.

走った後は、喉がカラカラに乾燥する。

Informal

"乾燥を嫌う"

— To be sensitive to dryness (used for plants or materials).

この植物は乾燥を嫌います。

Technical

"乾燥が進む"

— Dryness is progressing/getting worse.

冬になり、空気の乾燥が進んでいる。

Neutral

"乾燥を保つ"

— To keep something in a dry state.

カメラは乾燥を保って保管すべきだ。

Formal

"乾燥を招く"

— To cause dryness.

エアコンの使いすぎは、肌の乾燥を招く。

Formal

"乾燥に強い"

— To be resistant to dryness (drought-resistant).

サボテンは乾燥に強い植物だ。

Neutral

"乾燥を和らげる"

— To alleviate or soften the dryness.

加湿器で室内の乾燥を和らげる。

Formal

"乾燥がひどい"

— The dryness is severe.

最近、空気の乾燥がひどいですね。

Neutral

Easily Confused

乾燥した vs 乾く (Kawaku)

Both mean 'to dry.'

Kawaku is the base verb for natural drying. Kansou is a noun/verb compound used for broader states or technical processes.

洗濯物が乾いた (The laundry dried) vs 乾燥した気候 (Dry climate).

乾燥した vs 干す (Hosu)

Related to drying.

Hosu is an active verb (transitive) meaning to put something out to dry. Kansou can be the result of that.

布団を干す (Hang out the futon) vs 乾燥した布団 (A dried futon).

乾燥した vs 枯れる (Kareru)

Describes plants 'drying up'.

Kareru means to wither and die. Kansou just means the absence of moisture.

花が枯れた (The flower withered) vs 乾燥した花 (A dried flower/ornament).

乾燥した vs 渇く (Kawaku)

Same pronunciation as 乾く.

渇く is used exclusively for thirst (喉が渇く).

喉が渇いた (I'm thirsty).

乾燥した vs 蒸発 (Jouhatsu)

Relates to water leaving.

Jouhatsu means 'evaporation.' It is the process, while 'kansou' is the state.

水が蒸発した (The water evaporated).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] が乾燥した。

空気が乾燥した。

乾燥した [Noun] を [Verb]。

乾燥したパンを食べた。

乾燥した [Noun] は [Adjective] です。

乾燥した空気は体に悪いです。

乾燥したので、[Action]。

乾燥したので、加湿器をつけました。

乾燥した状態を [Verb]。

乾燥した状態を維持する。

[Noun] が乾燥した原因は [Noun] です。

肌が乾燥した原因はエアコンです。

無味乾燥した [Noun]。

無味乾燥した説明。

極度に乾燥した [Noun]。

極度に乾燥した大気。

Word Family

Nouns

乾燥 (Kansou - Dryness)

乾燥機 (Kansouki - Dryer)

乾燥剤 (Kansouzai - Desiccant)

Verbs

乾燥する (Kansou suru - To dry)

乾燥させる (Kansou saseru - To make dry)

Adjectives

乾燥した (Kansou shita - Dried/Dry)

乾燥気味の (Kansou-gimi no - Slightly dry)

湿度 (Shitsudo - Humidity)

保湿 (Hoshitsu - Moisturizing)

乾物 (Kanbutsu - Dried foods)

干す (Hosu - To hang dry)

乾く (Kawaku - To dry naturally)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in winter, skincare, and cooking contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Kansou shita' for thirst. → Nodo ga kawaita.
Japanese uses a different word for physical thirst.
Saying 'Kansou na kuuki'. → Kansou shita kuuki.
While 'na' is sometimes listed, 'shita' is much more natural.
Using 'Kansou' for a dry joke. → Shuuriru na jooku (Surreal joke).
'Kansou' is not used for humor styles.
Confusing 乾燥 with 感想. → Contextual correction.
Always check if the topic is 'weather/skin' or 'opinions'.
Using 'Kansou' for a single drop of water drying. → Kawaita.
'Kansou' is too formal for small, everyday occurrences.

Tips

Use 'shita' for adjectives

Remember that many nouns in Japanese become adjectives by adding 'shita' (the past tense of 'to do'). This describes a state that has been reached.

Fire Awareness

When you hear 'kansou' on the news, check your stove! Dry air in Japan is synonymous with fire danger.

Drugstore Shopping

Look for the kanji 乾燥 on bottles if you have dry skin. It's the most common word for it.

Context is King

If someone asks 'Kansou wa?', they want your opinion (感想). If they say 'Kansou shiteru', they mean it's dry (乾燥).

Winter Small Talk

Saying 'Kansou shite imasu ne' (It's dry, isn't it?) is as common as saying 'It's cold' in winter.

Kanji Radicals

The kanji 燥 has the fire radical (火). This helps you remember it means 'parched' or 'dried by heat'.

CEFR Level

This is a B1 word because while the concept is simple, the usage and kanji are more advanced than 'kawaku'.

Scale Matters

Use 'kansou' for the environment and 'kawaita' for your kitchen counter.

Mumi-Kansou

Learn 'Mumi-kansou' to describe boring things. It makes you sound very advanced!

Throat Care

Dry air (kansou shita kuuki) is often blamed for sickness in Japan, so 'kansou' is a health-related word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CAN' (Kan) of 'SOUP' (Sou) that has no liquid—it's just 'Dry' powder. Now it's 'Kansou'.

Visual Association

Imagine a cracked desert floor (Kansou shita tochi) under a hot sun.

Word Web

Winter Skin Fire Humidifier Desert Dehydrated Shiitake Static Electricity

Challenge

Try to find 3 products in a Japanese grocery store that have the kanji 乾燥 on them.

Word Origin

Composed of two Kanji: 乾 (Kan - dry/heaven) and 燥 (Sou - parch/dry). It is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound.

Original meaning: The state of being parched by heat or lack of water.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese loanword).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'Kansou' (Dry) with 'Kansou' (Impression) in conversation, as it can lead to confusing social interactions.

In English, we use 'dry' for humor, but in Japanese, 'kansou' is rarely used for personality unless it's the idiom 'mumi-kansou' (boring).

Kansou Chuuihou (Weather alerts) Kansou-men (Instant noodles/dried noodles) Mumi-kansou (Common literary critique)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecast

乾燥注意報が出ています。
空気が乾燥しています。
火の取り扱いに注意してください。
乾燥した状態が続きます。

Beauty/Skincare

乾燥した肌に潤いを。
乾燥肌用のローション。
肌が乾燥してカサカサする。
乾燥を防ぐクリーム。

Cooking

乾燥した椎茸を戻す。
乾燥わかめをスープに入れる。
乾燥食品の保存方法。
乾燥したパスタを茹でる。

Fire Safety

乾燥した時期は火事が怖い。
乾燥した薪は燃えやすい。
乾燥注意報と火の用心。
空気が乾燥した日は火を避ける。

Health

喉が乾燥して痛い。
乾燥した部屋で寝ない。
乾燥はウイルスの味方だ。
目が乾燥する（ドライアイ）。

Conversation Starters

"最近、すごく乾燥した日が続いていますね。"

"乾燥した肌にいいクリームを知っていますか？"

"冬になると、喉が乾燥して痛くなりませんか？"

"乾燥した空気のせいで、静電気がひどくないですか？"

"乾燥した椎茸を使った料理、何か得意なものはありますか？"

Journal Prompts

冬の乾燥した空気について、どう感じますか？加湿器は使いますか？

乾燥した肌をケアするために、毎日どのようなことをしていますか？

あなたが住んでいる場所は、乾燥した気候ですか、それとも湿っていますか？

『無味乾燥』な本を読んだことがありますか？その感想を書いてください。

乾燥した果物（ドライフルーツ）の中で、一番好きなものは何ですか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds like you are using a machine. If the sun dried it, 'kawaita' is more natural. If you used a 'kansou-ki' (dryer), 'kansou shita' is fine.

It is very rare. In modern Japanese, 'kansou shita' or 'kansou no' are used. Avoid 'kansou na' in daily conversation.

Do not use 'kansou'. Say 'Nodo ga kawaita' (喉が渇いた).

It is a 'Dryness Advisory' issued by the weather bureau when low humidity increases fire risk.

No. For dry humor, Japanese people might use 'black humor' or simply say 'shuuriru' (surreal/dry).

'Kansou' is a Sino-Japanese word used for climate, skin, and industry. 'Kawaita' is a native Japanese word used for everyday objects.

乾燥. The first (乾) is 'dry' and the second (燥) is 'parch'. Both have 11+ strokes.

Yes, 'Kansou-shokuhin' (dried food) or 'Kansou-men' (dried noodles) are standard terms.

Grammatically, it is a noun that takes 'suru'. It functions as an adjective in the 'shita' form.

Only if written as 感想. They sound the same but have different kanji and meanings.