1.
evaporation
The physical process by which a liquid turns into vapor.
水が蒸発する。
Water evaporates.
2.
disappearance; vanishing
Figuratively, when someone suddenly disappears without a trace, often to escape debts, relationships, or other problems.
夫が蒸発して行方不明になった。
My husband vanished and his whereabouts are unknown.
借金を抱えて蒸発した。
He disappeared with debts.
SENSE 1 (Physical):
- 水分が蒸発する - moisture evaporates
- 蒸発熱 - heat of vaporization
SENSE 2 (Figurative - Disappearance):
This uniquely Japanese usage describes people who deliberately vanish from their lives. It became a social phenomenon in Japan, with people disappearing to escape debts, unhappy marriages, or other problems.
- 夜逃げ - fleeing at night (similar concept)
- 蒸発者 - a person who has disappeared
CULTURAL NOTE:
The figurative use reflects a distinctly Japanese social phenomenon. There are even businesses in Japan that help people "evaporate" from their current lives.
SIMILAR PHYSICAL PROCESSES:
- 凝縮 - condensation (opposite)
- 沸騰 - boiling