むしむし

むしむし
adverb, suru verb
humid; muggy; sultry
1. humid; muggy; sultry
Describes uncomfortably hot and humid weather that makes one feel sticky and sweaty. A common description of Japanese summers.
今日(きょう)はむしむしして(あつ)いね。
It's muggy and hot today, isn't it?
梅雨(つゆ)時期(じき)はむしむしした天気(てんき)(つづ)く。
The muggy weather continues during the rainy season.
むしむしする(よる)(ねむ)れない。
I can't sleep on muggy nights.

むしむし describes the uncomfortable combination of high heat and humidity typical of Japanese summers, especially during 梅雨(つゆ) (rainy season). The word evokes the feeling of sticky, oppressive heat.

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • じめじめ: damp (emphasizes moisture rather than heat)
  • じとじと: humid/clammy
  • ()(あつ)い: muggy/sultry (i-adjective form)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • むしむしする: to be muggy
  • むしむしした天気(てんき): muggy weather

SEASONAL USAGE:
Most commonly used in June-August, especially during the rainy season when humidity is at its peak.

Related Words