通気(つうき)

通気(つうき) describes air being able to flow through a space or material. The most common compound by far is 通気(つうき)性(せい) ("breathability, ventilation properties"), used heavily in product descriptions for clothing, footwear, building materials, bedding, and bags.

Forms

• 通(つう) ("to pass through") + 気(き) ("air") → 通気(つうき)

Common collocations

• 通気(つうき)性(せい): breathability, ventilation properties
• 通気(つうき)口(こう): vent, ventilation opening
• 通気(つうき)孔(こう): ventilation hole
• 通気(つうき)が良(よ)い / 悪(わる)い: airflow is good / poor
• 通気(つうき)管(かん): vent pipe (plumbing)
• 通気(つうき)を確保(かくほ)する: to ensure ventilation

Similar / related terms

• 換気(かんき): ventilation in the sense of actively exchanging stale air for fresh air (e.g., opening a window, running a ventilation fan); more deliberate and active than 通気(つうき)
• 通風(つうふう): ventilation; airflow through a space (close to 通気(つうき), but 通風(つうふう) more strongly suggests a draft moving through)
• 空調(くうちょう): HVAC (mechanical climate control system)
• 湿気(しっけ): humidity, moisture
• 蒸(む)れる: to become stuffy, to get sweaty (used of clothes/spaces lacking 通気(つうき)性(せい))

Usage

• 通気(つうき) is more about whether air can pass through than about anyone actively making it pass. A loose-weave shirt has good 通気(つうき)性(せい); opening a window for fresh air is 換気(かんき).
• In product copy, 通気(つうき)性(せい) is a major selling point for sportswear, work boots, summer suits, mattresses, and even smartphone cases — anywhere stale or moist air would cause discomfort or damage.
• For Japanese houses with raised wooden floors, 床下(ゆかした)通気(つうき) ("under-floor ventilation") is critical to prevent rot from humidity, and is a standard feature of building specifications.