Humedecer vs. mojar
In Spanish, 'humedecer' and 'mojar' both refer to the act of making something less dry, but their use conveys different nuances and contexts.
Humedecer
'Humedecer' refers to making something slightly wet or damp without soaking it. It implies a gentler and less intense process of adding moisture.
Voy a humedecer la tela antes de plancharla.
(I'm going to dampen the cloth before ironing it.)
La brisa de la mañana humedece las hojas del árbol.
(The morning breeze moistens the tree's leaves.)
Es mejor humedecer los sellos antes de pegarlos.
(It's better to moisten the stamps before sticking them.)
Mojar
'Mojar' means to make something wet, usually by immersing it in liquid or by pouring liquid over it. This term usually suggests a more thorough saturation than 'humedecer'.
Se me olvidó cerrar la ventana y la lluvia mojó los muebles.
(I forgot to close the window and the rain soaked the furniture.)
No quiero mojar mis zapatos nuevos en los charcos.
(I don't want to get my new shoes wet in the puddles.)
Al caer al río, mojé toda mi ropa.
(When I fell into the river, I got all my clothes wet.)
Summary
'Humedecer' and 'mojar' both involve making something less dry, but they differ in intensity and in the way they are used. 'Humedecer' is used when something is lightly moistened without being soaked, suitable for delicate processes or when a small amount of moisture is needed. On the other hand, 'mojar' refers to thoroughly wetting or soaking something, often through direct contact with a lot of liquid.