Japanese meaning of 雲散霧消
Reading:
うんさんむしょう (unsan mushō)
English Translation:
To vanish completely like clouds and mist.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Disappear like clouds and fog.
Cultural Context:
From classical Chinese poetry. In Japanese, used for hopes, plans, or worries that vanish completely.
雲や霧のように跡形もなく消えること。
中国古典詩に由来し、雲や霧が消える様子を比喩的に使う。希望や計画、不安が消える時に使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “する” to mean to vanish completely (“雲散霧消する”).
• Often used for abstract things like plans, hopes, or fears.
Trap for English Speakers
Could be mistaken as meaning “to disappear slowly,” but it describes something vanishing suddenly and completely without trace.
Example
Basic Example
その噂は真相が判明すると雲散霧消した。
The rumor vanished like clouds and mist once the truth was known.
Applied Example
相手の反撃で、勝ちムードは雲散霧消した。
The sense of impending victory vanished like clouds and mist.