Inklingo

How to Say "mist" in Spanish

English → Spanish

niebla

NYEH-blahˈnje.βla

nounA2general
Use 'niebla' when referring to a general, often thick, atmospheric condition that reduces visibility, similar to fog.
A storybook illustration of a single dark green tree shrouded almost entirely by thick, swirling white fog.

Examples

La niebla era tan espesa que tuvimos que conducir despacio.

The fog was so thick that we had to drive slowly.

Cuando hay niebla, los vuelos se retrasan a menudo.

When there is mist, flights are often delayed.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'niebla' is always a feminine word, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la niebla', 'una niebla fría').

Using 'estar' instead of 'haber'

Mistake: “La niebla está.”

Correction: Hay niebla. (Use the impersonal form of 'haber'—'hay'—to talk about weather phenomena that simply exist, like 'There is fog'.)

rocío

nounB1general
Choose 'rocío' for the fine droplets of water that form on surfaces like grass, especially in the morning, also known as dew.

Examples

Me gusta caminar por la hierba llena de rocío.

I like walking through the grass full of dew.

vapor

bah-PORbaˈpoɾ

nounA2general
Use 'vapor' for visible gaseous water, such as steam from a kettle or a light, hazy atmospheric vapor.
White, wispy steam rising from the spout of a dark kettle placed on a stove burner.

Examples

El vapor que sale de la tetera está muy caliente.

The steam coming out of the kettle is very hot.

El aire acondicionado crea un vapor frío en la habitación.

The air conditioner creates a cold vapor in the room.

La olla a presión suelta mucho vapor.

The pressure cooker releases a lot of steam.

Gender Check

Remember that 'vapor' is masculine, so always use 'el' (el vapor) and masculine adjectives (vapor caliente).

brisa

BREE-sahˈbɾisa

nounB2general
Use 'brisa' to describe a very light, almost imperceptible rain or drizzle, much gentler than 'niebla'.
A soft, light mist falling over a green meadow.

Examples

No es una tormenta, solo es una brisa.

It's not a storm, it's just a mist/drizzle.

Multiple Meanings

Context is key. If you are in the Caribbean and it's cloudy, people might be talking about light rain rather than wind.

Niebla vs. Rocío

The most common confusion is between 'niebla' (fog/mist reducing visibility) and 'rocío' (dew on surfaces). Remember 'niebla' is in the air, affecting your sight, while 'rocío' is on the ground or objects.

Related Translations

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