Entry
しめじめ
shimejime
Describes an unpleasantly damp and humid physical state, or a gloomy and cheerless mood.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a physical state of being unpleasantly damp, humid, or soggy, often making one feel uncomfortable. Metaphorically, it is used to express a gloomy, cheerless, or depressing mood or atmosphere. It is a very rare word and acts as a less common variant of the standard and widely used term 'じめじめ' (jimejime).
- 1. Unpleasantly damp, humid, or wet conditions.
- 2. A gloomy, depressing, or cheerless atmosphere.
Sense Map
Dampness
Physical conditions such as weather, air, or rooms that feel uncomfortably moist and humid.
部屋の中がしめじめしている。
Gloomy Mood
A depressing, sad, or cheerless attitude, atmosphere, or story.
しめじめと泣く。
Usage Note
How to Use
しめじめする
Used as a verb to indicate that a place is becoming damp or an atmosphere is becoming gloomy.
しめじめした + noun
Used as a modifier to describe a noun as being damp (like a room) or depressing (like a story).
しめじめと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed in a gloomy or depressing manner, such as crying.
How to Use
Common Phrases
しめじめしている
is damp / is gloomy
しめじめした部屋
damp room
しめじめした話
gloomy story
しめじめと泣く
cry gloomily
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weather and Environment | negative | Describes wet, humid air that makes the body feel sticky and uncomfortable. |
| Mood and Personality | negative | Refers to a cheerless, gloomy atmosphere or depressing behavior. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じめじめ じめじめ / similar | Used generally in conversation and writing to express an uncomfortably damp state or a gloomy atmosphere. | This is the standard, widely used form, whereas しめじめ is a very rare variant. | じめじめした部屋 |
じとっと じとっと / similar | Used for sticky dampness like sweat, or an uncomfortable, lingering gaze. | Focuses on a sticky, clinging feeling, while しめじめ is about general wetness or a depressing mood. | じとっと汗ばむ |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word to describe healthy, moisturized skin.
This word has a strictly negative nuance. For pleasant, healthy moisture, use words like 'しっとり' (shittori).
Choosing this word when speaking to Japanese friends.
Because it is so rare, using 'じめじめ' (jimejime) instead is highly recommended to sound natural.
Examples
Examples
雨が続いて、部屋の中がしめじめしている。
あめがつづいて、へやのなかがしめじめしている。
The rain has continued, making the inside of the room feel damp and uncomfortable.
LiteralAn example of an uncomfortable physical condition in a room due to the weather.
彼はしめじめと泣き続けた。
かれはしめじめとなきつづけた。
He continued to cry in a gloomy, depressing manner.
FigurativeUsed as an adverb (with 'to') to describe an action performed in a deeply cheerless way.
しめじめした空気が肌にまとわりつく。
しめじめしたくうきがはだにまとわりつく。
The damp, sticky air clings to the skin.
LiteralShows the 'shita' form modifying a noun (air).
そんなしめじめした話はやめよう。
そんなしめじめしたはなしはやめよう。
Let's stop talking about such gloomy topics.
FigurativeA figurative use where the dampness represents a cheerless, depressing topic of conversation.
梅雨の時期は、毎日しめじめする。
つゆのじきは、まいにちしめじめする。
During the rainy season, it feels unpleasantly damp every day.
LiteralDemonstrates the use of the verb form 'suru'.
Similar Words
じめじめ
jimejime
The much more common form for expressing a damp state or gloomy mood.
じゅくじゅく
jukujuku
Describes a state of being overly wet, oozing, or mushy due to excess moisture.
じとっと
jitotto
Describes an uncomfortable, clammy stickiness, as well as a figuratively gloomy atmosphere or reproachful gaze. Emphasizes the sticky feeling of sweat or an uncomfortable gaze.
しょぼしょぼ
shoboshobo
Shoboshobo describes a weak, energy-lacking state, such as tired eyes blinking, persistent weak drizzle, or walking despondently.
じっとり
jittori
Jittori means being unpleasantly damp, clammy, or sticky, especially from sweat or humidity.
シュンと
shunto
To suddenly lose one's spirit, become downcast, or shrink emotionally.
むっつり
muttsuri
むっつり means being silently sullen or having a taciturn, unapproachable demeanor.
Questions
What is the difference between shimejime and jimejime?
They share the exact same meanings of being unpleasantly damp or gloomy. However, jimejime is an extremely common, everyday word, while shimejime is a very rare variant.
Can shimejime be used in a positive way?
No, it cannot. It always carries a negative nuance, describing uncomfortable physical dampness or a depressing, cheerless mood.
How do I use shimejime in a sentence?
You can use it as a verb by adding 'suru' (shimejime suru), or modify a noun by using 'shimejime shita' (such as a damp room or a sad story).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2856198
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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