I'm learning 日本語

— meaning in English: smoke

kemuri · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for smoke
kemuri
もちろん
mochiron
起源
kigen
病気
byouki
ビール
bīru
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Japanese for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 煙 (kemuri) during conversations about cooking, particularly when discussing grilled foods like yakitori, which produce noticeable smoke. It's also common in discussions about campfires or bonfires, where the presence of smoke creates a sensory experience that's integral to the occasion.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 煙霧 (enkutsu), which refers specifically to smoke in a more dense or fog-like context, often used in literary or poetic expressions. You would choose 煙 (kemuri) in everyday conversation about visible smoke from cooking or fires.
Culture
The word 煙 (kemuri) is derived from the ancient Japanese practice of utilizing smoke for preservation and flavor enhancement in food. In traditional festivals, the sight and smell of smoke from ceremonial fires are believed to ward off evil spirits, demonstrating its deep-rooted cultural significance in Japanese society.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of 煙 in English?
The Japanese word 煙 (kemuri) translates to 'smoke' in English, referring to the visible vapor or fumes produced by burning materials.
Q.How do you use 煙 in a sentence?
You could say, '焼き鳥の煙が上がっている' (Yakitori no kemuri ga agatte iru), meaning 'The smoke from the grilled chicken is rising.' This showcases its use in a culinary context.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 煙?
A common mistake is to confuse 煙 (kemuri) with 煙突 (entotsu), which means 'chimney.' While both relate to smoke, 煙 refers to the smoke itself, whereas 煙突 refers to the structure through which smoke escapes.
Learn japanese with Maspeak →
Japanese 2000