Condensation

kon-den-SAY-shun

Neutral Neutral

What it really means

Water droplets that form on cold windows and walls, especially in winter when drying clothes or cooking indoors. It is the most common cause of mould. Landlords often blame tenant "lifestyle" — ventilating (opening windows, using extractor fans) helps, but building problems can also be the cause.

Chinese explanation

冷窗和冷墙上凝结的水珠，冬天在室内晾衣、做饭时尤其多，是霉斑最常见的成因。房东常归咎于租客"生活方式"——通风（开窗、用排气扇）确实有帮助，但建筑本身的问题也可能是原因。

Example conversation

A: The windows are dripping every morning. B: That’s condensation — use the extractor fan and crack a window when you cook.

A：每天早上窗户都在滴水。 B：那是冷凝水——做饭时开排气扇，窗户开条缝。

What you could say back

“Is there an extractor fan in the bathroom and kitchen?”

Related phrases

Damp Mould Central heating

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Council Tax Explained: What Newcomers Need to Know How Renting Works in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide UK Utility Bills: Setting Up Energy, Water, Broadband and the TV Licence

All Renting & Housing

Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake