埃

Refers to the small, light particles of dust, lint, or fibers that float in the air or settle on surfaces. It generally carries a negative connotation associated with neglect, lack of cleanliness, or allergy-inducing environments.

While often used interchangeably with "塵 (chiri)," there is a subtle difference in nuance. "埃" typically refers to the fluffy, light particles (like lint) that accumulate in corners or float in sunlight, whereas "塵" often refers to smaller, grittier particles of dirt or waste in a more general sense. In many daily contexts, however, they are treated as synonyms.

In a figurative sense, the expression "埃をかぶる (hokori o kaburu)" literally means "to be covered in dust," but it is frequently used to describe something that has been neglected, forgotten, or left unused for a long time, such as an old hobby or a piece of equipment.

Additionally, the word is commonly used in the form "埃っぽい (hokorippoi)," which describes a place or an object that feels dusty or smells of dust, emphasizing the sensory experience of the environment.