Meaning and Usage
"湯気" (ゆげ) specifically refers to steam or vapor, usually visible rising from hot liquids or food. It is a common word used to describe the steam coming off hot tea, soup, or boiling water.
Common Contexts
You will often see "湯気" in everyday situations involving hot beverages or cooking. It can also describe condensation on surfaces like windows during cold weather.
Collocations and Patterns
- 湯気が立つ: steam rises (used to describe visible steam)
- 湯気がもくもくと出る: steam billows out (emphasizes thick or abundant steam)
- 窓に湯気がつく: steam or condensation forms on windows
Register and Nuance
"湯気" is a neutral, everyday noun. It is neither formal nor informal and is appropriate in both spoken and written Japanese.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "湯気" with "煙" (けむり, smoke). Remember, "湯気" is steam from hot water or liquids, while "煙" is smoke from fire or burning materials.