1.
haze, mist
A thin, atmospheric phenomenon that reduces visibility, often appearing soft and dreamlike. In Japanese, it typically refers to spring mist.
春の朝、山に霞がかかっていた。
On a spring morning, haze hung over the mountains.
霞の向こうに富士山がうっすら見えた。
Mount Fuji was faintly visible through the haze.
遠くの景色が霞んで見える。
The distant scenery looks hazy.
霞 refers to haze or mist, especially associated with spring in Japanese culture.
SEASONAL DISTINCTION:
- 霞: haze (spring season word)
- 霧: fog (autumn season word)
These are the same phenomenon but distinguished by season in Japanese poetry and culture.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 霞がかかる: to be covered in haze
- 霞の中: in the mist
- 霞んで見える: to look hazy
- 目が霞む: eyes become blurry
VERB FORM:
- 霞む: to become hazy, to be blurred
POETIC/LITERARY:
- Often used in haiku and classical poetry
- Associated with spring scenery and ephemeral beauty
- 霞を食べて生きる: to live on air (idiom for living poorly)